Like many South Carolinians, I had never heard of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) until discovering someone I love became dependent on it. I recently came across these products in my partner’s car, and everything changed in that moment. The person I thought I knew everything about—had hidden this from me. I was devastated to learn that such a potent substance could be purchased legally with so little public awareness. I’m sharing my story because I don’t want another family to experience the fear and heartbreak that I have. South Carolina must act to protect others before more lives are affected.

I had no idea my partner had become dependent on these products. They hid their use so well that I never suspected anything was wrong. He and his closest friends had been taking it for nearly a year, and I never knew. Having watched other loved ones struggle with addiction, I never imagined my sweet boy would become caught in something like this. By the time I found out, he was already in too deep.

During the time my partner was using these products, he also experienced more seizures than ever before. I cannot say with certainty that 7-OH caused them, but discovering his dependence made us question whether it may have played a role. That uncertainty alone is frightening and stresses the need for more research, greater public awareness, and stronger safeguards surrounding these products.

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a derivative of the kratom plant, is a highly potent compound that acts on opioid receptors and can produce opioid-like effects. Yet products containing concentrated 7-OH remain legally available for retail sale in vape shops, smoke shops, and gas stations across South Carolina. Research suggests that 7-hydroxymitragynine has very high potency at opioid receptors, raising significant concerns about misuse, dependence, and overdose.

Because these products are sold over the counter in vape shops, smoke shops, and gas stations, many consumers may purchase them without fully understanding their potency or risks. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), products containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine can pose serious health risks. The FDA warns that 7-OH acts on opioid receptors and can produce opioid-like effects, and it advises consumers to avoid these products because of their potential to cause harm.

I urge the state of South Carolina to prohibit the retail sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine products, as several other states have already taken action to restrict or ban them. By treating these highly concentrated products with the level of caution they warrant, we can help prevent further cases of dependence and better protect our communities. I also urge lawmakers to strengthen addiction treatment resources and expand public education about the risks associated with these products.

Until I found these products myself, I had never even heard of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). That lack of public awareness is exactly why I believe something has to change. No family should have to discover a loved one’s dependence only after it has already taken hold. I don’t want another person to learn about this addiction the way I did—by accident, after the damage had already begun. South Carolina has an opportunity to act now, before more families experience the same heartbreak. Please sign this petition and urge our lawmakers to prohibit the retail sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine products, strengthen addiction treatment resources, and educate the public about their risks.

References

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Products Containing 7-OH Can Cause Serious Harm.
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/products-containing-7-oh-can-cause-serious-harm

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Kratom DrugFacts.
    https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom