WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - FDA Commissioner Martin Makary warned a substance more potent than morphine, addictive and legal is on store shelves across the country.

Makary said it's called 7-OH and it's a biproduct of the popular natural leaf, Kratom. Many convenience stores sell products with higher concentrations of 7-OH.

"By definition, it is an opioid," Makary said.

In the past, the FDA has warned the natural version of Kratom is likely not safe. But the commissioner said he's more worried about the concentrated 7-OH products. FDA experts said it can slow breathing and cause addiction.

The FDA Commissioner wrote a letter to doctors and asked the DEA to consider 7-OH a schedule 1 drug.

"Let's not allow another wave of the opioid epidemic to catch us blindsided again," said Makary.

Heal

See Full Page