Public health officials in Los Angeles County Friday issued a warning about the risks of using the synthetic kratom compound known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) after three people died from an overdose.

Kratom products available on the market are being used as stimulants despite being unregulated. Even natural kratom from a tree native to Southeast Asia is not FDA-approved.

Many of the synthetic kratom products, including tablets, gummies and liquid extracts, are being sold at gas stations, smoke shops and other retail businesses without government scrutiny across LA County, according to the Department of Public Health.

Products that are often labeled to contain plant alkaloids or alkaloid are promoted to help with pain, depression and anxiety while giving an energy boost.

“At low dos

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