7OH studies spark debate among kratom advocates and experts

Two studies examining the potential effects of a synthetic form of kratom have sparked excitement among advocates, who see the drug as a revolutionary treatment for certain mental health conditions. However, some industry experts are warning that the study's findings may be more concerning than encouraging.

Kratom is a plant-based supplement with opioid-like properties that has been used for centuries in parts of Southeast Asia. More recently, an alkaloid of kratom known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine, or 7OH, has been marketed as a higher-potency alternative to kratom that has a more direct impact on the brain's opioid receptors. Both compounds are legally sold in Colorado, but a recent bill passed by the state legislature has placed new regulations on the industry, including prohibiting th