CDPH conducting investigative work associated with kratom
“We are appreciative of the work CDPH is doing to investigate the sale of these products and to remove them from shelves at gas stations, smoke shops and at other retail stores. This is an example of how CDPH investigators work to protect consumers from harm.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
SACRAMENTO – On October 24, 2025, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued an advisory to consumers about products containing kratom and 7-hyrdroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, a potent opioid product derived from the kratom plant. According to CDPH, these products may lead to addiction, serious harm, overdose, and death. Since April 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported six fatal overdoses linked to 7-OH.
“Although illegal to sell or manufacture, we are still finding kratom and 7-OH products for sale in gas stations, smoke shops, online and other retailers. While these products are sometimes marketed as natural remedies, they are dangerous and can result in fatal overdoses,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “The best way to protect yourself is to avoid using 7-OH and kratom-related products.”
Neither kratom or 7-OH can lawfully be marketed in the United States as a drug product, dietary supplement or food additive. Claims that kratom and 7-OH products can treat pain, anxiety and opioid withdrawal are unproven. Side effects of kratom and 7-OH include withdrawal symptoms, insomnia and anxiety, seizures and fatal respiratory depression.
What CDPH is doing to protect Californians
CDPH has been conducting investigative work associated with kratom for many years and continues to take action to remove products or raw materials containing kratom or 7-OH from retail facilities selling to consumers and from manufacturing locations. Once these products are identified during an investigation, they are embargoed or destroyed.
Anyone who finds kratom or 7-OH products for sale for consumption should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232 or submit an electronic report here.
