Around Tampa Bay, Florida, a hidden threat lurks on the shelves of smoke shops and gas stations. Products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, a synthetic compound experts liken to opioids, are readily available without restriction. Dubbed by some as “Legal Morphine for Sale in Florida,” these products are prompting growing concern among researchers, lawmakers, and local communities.

These substances, some alarmingly referred to as “legal morphine,” offer powerful effects more potent than their origins in kratom leaf, posing significant public health risks.

The Rise of Opioid-like Substances for Sale

The compound 7-hydroxymitragynine, known commonly as 7-OH, originates in small quantities within the kratom plant. While kratom itself has long been popular as a green powder with psychoactive properties, the isolated and concentrated form of 7-OH is far more dangerous, experts warn. Scientists have flagged its chemical similarities to opioids, raising red flags for public health professionals.

“We’re seeing a concerning trend where these semi-synthetic products could lead us toward another opioid epidemic,” said Abhisheak Sharma, a leading scholar of kratom at the University of Florida.

Despite these warnings, 7-OH tablets and pills can be found in vibrant packaging on local shelves, often priced around $20 for just a few doses. Some products carry flavours like “chill berry” or “wild mango”, tactics designed to attract unwitting consumers. Even more alarming, some of these pills test as being three times stronger than earlier versions available on the market.

The Unregulated Market in Tampa

Unlike regulated prescription drugs, these opioid-like substances for sale in Florida exist in a regulatory grey area. Companies evade federal oversight by avoiding direct claims of medical benefits for their products, though the packaging often hints at their intended effects. Phrases like “instant relief” or “rapid release formula” appear prominently, tapping into consumer demand for quick fixes.

The widespread availability of 7-OH raises profound concerns about misuse. Toxicology reports showcase the compound’s potential for addiction, as consumers share harrowing testimonials online, likening its withdrawal symptoms to those of heroin. Yet, state and federal intervention has been minimal. Proposed bills in Florida aiming to regulate these substances have often stalled before becoming law.

Why Scientists Are Sounding the Alarm

The enhanced potency of 7-hydroxymitragynine compared to natural kratom leaf is one reason scientists are increasingly vocal in raising public awareness. Unlike kratom, where the compound is present in trace amounts, the industrial refinement of 7-OH transforms it into a highly concentrated and risky substance.

Dr. Christopher McCurdy, a prominent researcher in the field, points to studies indicating 7-OH’s strong potential for abuse and addiction. “Low-dose animal studies reveal significant dangers with misuse,” he explains. For the medical community, the unregulated supply of such substances feels eerily reminiscent of the warnings signaled during the early days of the opioid epidemic.

Legislative Efforts and Loopholes

The Florida legislature is taking some steps to address this growing issue. Republican Senator Jay Collins has been pivotal in drafting proposals to regulate kratom and its derivatives like 7-OH. Collins has described pure 7-hydroxymitragynine products as “inherently dangerous” and believes swift regulation is necessary to protect Florida communities.

While Collins’ initial proposals faced setbacks, there’s optimism that amendments banning pure 7-OH tablets could gain traction during the current legislative session. These efforts mirror actions already taken in other U.S. states where similar laws have passed. However, even if successful, critics warn that enforcement in an online-driven market will remain challenging.

The Ethical Dilemma Surrounding 7-OH

Advocates of the kratom industry argue that regulatory overreach could penalise small businesses and restrict consumer choice. Groups like the American Healthy Alternatives Association claim that substances like 7-OH help manage pain and reduce reliance on prescription opioids. Yet these claims remain unsubstantiated by rigorous scientific testing or regulatory approval through the FDA.

Critics contend that marketing unapproved substances as alternative pain relief creates an ethical haziness that endangers lives. Both scientists and public health advocates agree that without oversight, these substances hold far more potential for harm than good.

Source: Tampa Bay