Bottles and pills found at gas stations and smoke shops claim to boost energy, focus and mood. But experts warn they may contain a drug that causes heroin-like effects.

“It acts similar to what we have with other opioids like morphine, heroin,” said Dr. Christopher Holstege, medical director of UVA Health’s Blue Ridge Poison Center, describing 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH.

The chemical is derived from kratom, a plant the Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers not to use — citing risks that include substance use disorder, seizures and even death, especially when mixed with alcohol and other substances.

Holstege said 7-OH has a much stronger effect than the parent compound found in the kratom plant.

“There are products that are now arising where this chemical is actually the s

See Full Page