Pasadena Public Health Cautions Against Use of Kratom and 7-OH Products

PASADENA, Calif.- The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) recommends avoiding products that contain kratom and the synthetic kratom compound known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), following the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's advisory. Recently, six overdose deaths in Los Angeles County among people aged 18 to 40 years old have been tied to 7-OH ingestion. There have not been any confirmed deaths tied to 7-OH ingestion in Pasadena.

7-OH is being synthetically concentrated into unregulated edibles sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online across LA County. These products are marketed as "plant alkaloids" or dietary supplements for pain, anxiety, mood, withdrawal, or energy, and may appear as tablets, gummies, drink mixes, or concentrated liquid shots. Since 7-OH concentration levels for products are unknown, overdose risk is high. Consumers who use 7-OH products are exposed to products that have not been proven safe or effective.

"The safest choice is to avoid all 7-OH products," said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Acting Health Officer. "At low doses, 7-OH acts as a stimulant; at high doses, as an opioid. This product is highly addictive and combining it with alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances can dangerously slow breathing and even cause death."

To reduce the risk of overdose and death, PPHD urges anyone who decides to use these dangerous substances to:

• Never use alone - Another person can administer naloxone in case of overdose.
• Stagger use in groups - Ensure someone can respond.
• Avoid mixing drugs - Combinations increase unpredictability and overdose risk.
• Carry naloxone - It can reverse opioid effects, including 7-OH, and restore breathing.

Substance Use Resources:

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at CityOfPasadena.net; follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.

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