Kratom-Related Deaths on the Rise in Los Angeles County
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has announced that three more deaths in the county have been linked to kratom, a compound that is being synthetically reproduced and sold over the counter as a cure-all for various ailments. This brings the total number of recent overdose deaths related to kratom in L.A. County to six, with the first three deaths identified in September. Notably, alcohol was also found in all six individuals, highlighting the potential dangers of combining these substances.
Kratom, also known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, is an herbal extract derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly sold as a powder or pill, sometimes in its natural form and sometimes as a synthetic version. However, U.S. purveyors have been selling products with potentially dangerously concentrated amounts of 7-OH, according to a July report from the Food and Drug Administration. This has raised concerns among public health officials about the potential for 7-OH abuse due to its ability to bind to opioid receptors in the body.
Concerns and Warnings from Public Health Officials
Gary Tsai, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Bureau, emphasized the importance of understanding the dangers of these products. “It’s critical that the community understand that these products are dangerous and can result in fatal overdoses,” he said. “The safest thing to do is avoid using 7-OH and kratom-related products altogether.” Tsai also recommended administering naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose, highlighting the need for caution and preparedness when dealing with these substances.
Researchers have found that some people in the United States use kratom to alleviate anxiety and chronic pain or as a remedy for symptoms associated with quitting opioids. However, despite its use for pain relief, public health officials have raised concerns about the potential for 7-OH abuse. The synthetic product comes in various forms, such as tablets, gummies, drink mixes, and concentrated liquid extracts or shots for drinking. When mixed with alcohol and certain drugs, 7-OH can cause severe respiratory depression, which can lead to death in worst-case scenarios.
Regulatory Efforts and Community Action
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has sent warning letters to firms marketing kratom-related products, stating that 7-OH has not been approved by the FDA and is not permitted to be marketed or sold as a drug or additive to food or drinks. In the absence of regulation at the state level, some communities in California have taken it upon themselves to act, with Orange County and the cities of Newport Beach, San Diego, and Oceanside prohibiting the sale, distribution, or possession of kratom.
As the number of kratom-related deaths continues to rise, it is essential for the community to be aware of the potential dangers of these products. By understanding the risks and taking steps to avoid them, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from the harmful effects of kratom. For more information on this topic, visit Here
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