Health officials warn about potent kratom compound sold in local gas stations

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Local health officials are worried about the rising use of an opioid compound that can be bought over-the-counter.

7-Hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, is a potent component of kratom and one of the main potential symptoms of it is opioid-like effects.

7-OH can be found in gummies, drinks, candies and powders. These products can be commonly found in smoke shops and gas stations. The drug is commonly known as “gas station heroin”.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, it can cause serious health problems, including addiction, poisoning and even death.

There hasn't been any overdose death reported in St. Joseph of 7-hydroxy, but local health leaders are worried about it becoming an issue.

Dr. Robert Corder, the City of St. Joseph Health Department's Medical Director, said city and health officials are concerned about 7-hydroxy because a lot of people are getting addicted.

“I’ve seen patients who are spending 20 to 30,000 dollars a year that they don’t have on this drug, and it’s just not good,” he said.

Corder said a patient addicted to 7-hydroxy has to be treated similarly to a patient who is addicted to heroin and fentanyl.

“It's very difficult to get them off. You have to use a lot higher medication get away from the drug,” he said.

According to MDHSS, symptoms of 7-OH include nausea, confusion, sweating and anxiety, trouble sleeping, stomach pain, depression, fast heartbeat and high blood pressure, trouble breathing or sleepiness, seizures, withdrawal symptoms, addiction or dependence, overdose and death (especially if mixed with other alcohol or drugs).

Corder said anyone who is struggling with a 7-hydroxy addiction can reach out to different services in the city.

Some of the services include the Samaritan Center, Northwest Health and Family Guidance Center.