DEA to ban opioid-like compound found in vape shop products
The Drug Enforcement Agency announced plans to temporarily ban a synthetic psychoactive kratom compound known as 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Experts detailed that in low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, while at higher doses it can produce a sedative effect, according to a news article from The Hill. However, the synthetic kratom products contain higher concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine and can be easily purchased in many retail settings such as gas stations and vape shops as well as online.
The DEA noted it will classify products containing 0.05% dry weight or 1 milligram of 7-hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I substances in order to clarify their public health risks, ranking the compound with heroin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). The agency detailed that the products present a high risk of tolerance, dependence and addiction and have outpaced regulatory safeguards. For instance, fruit-flavored 7-hydroxymitragynine may lure children to the products. Kratom is also known to cause hepatotoxicity and seizures.
The DEA remarked that the ban is expected to last two to three years.
Read more: The Hill
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