HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) - Governor Andy Beshear announced that his administration is taking action to prevent the sale and distribution of a dangerous substance in Kentucky by moving to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I narcotic.

Officials say this will make it illegal to sell, possess or distribute any isolated or concentrated forms of 7-OH in the state. 7-OH is a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant, which is increasingly recognized as having the potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors.

“When kratom is altered to create synthetic opioids, it becomes a threat to the public’s health,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack. “It puts people at risk and undermines the strides Kentucky has made in reducing

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