In a tragic turn of events, my beloved 15-year-old grandson, Parker, lost his life due to the toxic effects of synthetic 7-OH kratom.

UPDATE: AUG 26, 2026. The US DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), Passed a TEMPORARY EMERGENCY scheduling order making 7-OH, MP, MGM-15, MGM-16 KRATOM Products as a Scheduled 1 Drug which is the Most Stringent Control Effective Immediately. We as a Community need to continue Our Fight to Keep this Banned from our Town. By Our City Council Banning this Product it will Prevent and Enable Enforcement any of these Deadly, Abused products from getting into the Hands of Our children and Loved ones in the Future.   Please Continue to Share and Sign!!!!

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Unaware of the dangers lurking within, he consumed what he believed to be an ordinary energy drink. His youthful innocence and trust were cruelly betrayed by a substance disguised as harmless.

Parker's untimely demise is not an isolated incident. Increasingly, synthetic forms of kratom, such as 7-OH, have been linked to severe health risks, which can lead to life-threatening conditions and, in some cases, death. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, kratom is known to create various alarming side effects, such as confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and liver damage. The risk becomes exponentially higher with synthetic derivatives like 7-OH kratom, which are often more potent and accessible.

The lack of regulation around the sale of these synthetic substances poses a significant threat, especially to our youth, who may unknowingly consume them under the guise of better-known and safer products. It is time we take decisive action to protect our community, and our children, from the grave dangers posed by these substances.

I urge the Duluth City Council to immediately implement a ban on the sale of synthetic 7-OH kratom within city limits. By doing so, we can safeguard our residents, especially our children, from unwittingly falling victim to these hazardous substances. Implementing a ban will also raise awareness about the potential dangers of synthetic kratom, preventing other families from enduring the heartbreak that we have faced.

Let us stand together to prevent another family from experiencing the unendurable loss of a loved one due to such preventable causes. Sign this petition to call for the Duluth City Council to make a compassionate and necessary decision—ban synthetic 7-OH kratom sales now. Together, we can foster a safer and more informed community.