Kansas City and DOJ authorities recently seized about 73,000 products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly called “7‑OH,” from warehouses linked to two companies: Shaman Botanicals LLC and Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC. These products were sold as gummies, drink shots, and tablets. They are frequently seen for sale at convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops. The seizure came after reports of addiction and serious health risks connected to products sold across Kansas City.

Several companies selling kratom extracts received FDA warnings earlier in 2025 for illegally selling products containing 7‑OH. Despite these warnings, authorities say they continued distributing these products, prompting a large seizure. Authorities from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) helped with the operation.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant that comes from Southeast Asia. People in those areas have used kratom leaves for hundreds of years to self-treat pain, energy, anxiety, or even to ease withdrawal from opioids. The leaves contain natural chemicals, including mitragynine and smaller amounts of 7‑hydroxymitragynine, which can affect the brain and body in ways similar to opioids.

While traditional kratom leaves are sometimes used safely in low amounts, there is a big danger associated with concentrated products or extracts.

What Are 7‑OH Extracts?

7‑OH, or 7-hydroxymitragynine, is one of the chemicals naturally found in kratom leaves, but usually in minute amounts. Some companies have decided to extract it and make it much stronger than what you would get from regular kratom. These concentrated extracts are often marketed as safe herbal supplements, even though they are not. In fact, they are as dangerous as street drugs, and less is known about them.

Unlike standard kratom, concentrated 7‑OH products can act as potent opioids. They can be highly addictive, and there is a risk of overdose with them, especially if combined with medications or other drugs. They can slow breathing, cause addiction, and even lead to overdose. The FDA has not approved any 7‑OH products for medical use, and selling them in food or supplements is illegal.

Are 7‑OH Products Really Addictive?

Yes. Because 7‑OH is a strong opioid-like substance, it can be highly addictive. People using these products can develop dependency and withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop. Sadly, many people take these substances when trying to get sober from other drug use, accidentally trading one drug for another.

The high potency of these extracts makes them even more dangerous than plain kratom. Combining them with other substances or sedatives increases the risk of overdose, long-term health issues, and even death.

Why the Seizure Matters

The seizure of 73,000 products in Kansas City shows how seriously authorities are treating the threat of 7‑OH. Regulators are moving to classify concentrated 7‑OH as a Schedule I controlled substance, putting it in the same category as heroin or fentanyl.

Officials strongly advise avoiding any products that contain 7‑OH, especially those sold in gas stations, smoke shops, or convenience stores. Even if labeled as “natural” or “kratom,” these concentrated extracts are dangerous and illegal.

7‑OH extracts are a different and dangerous product from kratom, and neither of them has any substantiated health benefits. Extracts are highly addictive, just like heroin and other opioids, and have caused serious health issues in adults and teens who use them.

If you or somebody you love is addicted to kratom, help is available. Please get in touch with our compassionate addiction recovery care consultants at 1-800-425-1564 to learn more about treatment options.