Source: Tampa Free Press
Excerpt:
State’s “Emergency” Ban on 7-OH Called a Political Move Driven by Industry Lobbying
Florida officials have enacted an emergency scheduling of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a compound derived from the kratom plant, prompting a sharp rebuke from the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART). The organization claims the decision is a politically motivated action that ignores scientific data and is driven by the influence of the kratom industry.
According to HART National Policy Director Jeff Smith, the state’s action is a misapplication of “emergency scheduling,” which is intended to address immediate public dangers.
Smith argues that data from the FDA contradicts the state’s purported public health justification.
“According to the FDA’s database, there are zero confirmed deaths linked to 7-OH alone, and just eight adverse events ever reported, even with over half a billion adult uses,” said Smith. “If 7-OH were truly the threat being claimed, the data would show it. It doesn’t.” RELATED: Florida Wipes Out Nearly 18,000 Dangerous 7-OH Products In Statewide Crackdown
The move to ban 7-OH is particularly puzzling to critics given the state’s inaction on kratom itself. The plant has been linked to over 200 confirmed deaths and dozens of serious injuries, yet it remains unregulated. This disparity raises questions about the motivations behind the ban. HART suggests the decision may serve the interests of kratom industry trade groups that have lobbied to eliminate 7-OH, a potential market competitor, despite its comparatively safer profile.
“The Florida AG’s action today may serve the interests of kratom lobbyists, but it doesn’t serve the people of Florida who deserve safe, regulated options—not political theater,” Smith stated.
The organization also pointed to the growing concerns around ‘Feel Free,’ a popular kratom drink funded by a prominent kratom industry figure, which has been the subject of recent reports of addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms.
HART has announced it will work with Florida state legislators ahead of the 2026 session to introduce comprehensive, science-based regulations for both 7-OH and kratom. The group believes that true consumer safety comes from “real regulatory oversight,” not from actions based on “fear, misinformation, or special interest lobbying.”