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It's what some are calling gas station heroin. 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, is a synthetic derivative of an herb known as kratom and has become widely popular in the Kansas City metro.

But as previously reported in Strong High Weak Laws, experts are growing increasingly concerned with the effects, comparing the high and withdrawal to heroin and fentanyl.

"Some studies indicate it's up to 25 to 40% more potent than morphine," University of Kansas Health System addiction psychiatrist Dr. Roopa Sethi said. "The effects are going to be very similar to an opiate."

Local experts like Sethi explained that 7-OH and kratom can be just as addictive as traditional opioids.

"I have a patient who has told me that they have used up to $1,600 a month trying to b

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