The Californer - Long Beach Health Department Urges Community to Avoid Kratom and 7-OH Products Amid Rising Overdose Risk

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has issued a public health advisory urging community members to avoid products containing kratom and the synthetic compound 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). These products are often marketed as "plant alkaloids," "herbal supplements," or energy and mood aids, and are typically sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online.

The warning comes after reports from Los Angeles County of six overdose deaths among adults ages 18 to 40 linked to concentrated 7-OH products. While no deaths have been confirmed in Long Beach at this time, the Health Department is taking proactive measures to protect the community.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), foods, dietary supplements, and medical drugs containing kratom and 7-OH are dangerous and illegal to sell or manufacture in California. Any food product with added kratom is considered adulterated and may be subject to impound or destruction.

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In response, the Health Department is notifying Long Beach retailers that these products are not lawful for sale in California. Retailers found selling illegal products may face enforcement actions such as product removal, administrative penalties, and potential seizure or destruction of products by regulatory agencies.

The safest course of action is to avoid using any products containing 7-OH or kratom altogether. While the Health Department strongly advises against their use, those who choose to use these substances should take precautions to reduce the risk of overdose.

These precautions include never using alone and always having someone nearby who can respond in case of an overdose. It is also recommended to stagger use in groups so that at least one person remains alert in case of emergencies. Mixing substances should be avoided as it can increase the risk of overdose. Additionally, carrying naloxone - a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses - is highly recommended. Multiple doses may be needed in case of an overdose.

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For more information on the City's harm reduction efforts, including how to request free naloxone kits, drug test strips, or register for naloxone training workshops, visit longbeach.gov/harmreduction. Other resources include the Never Use Alone Hotline - a 24/7 peer-operated hotline at 800.484.3731 that connects people using drugs alone with a non-judgmental listener who can call emergency assistance if needed. The Poison Control Center can also be contacted online or at 800.222.1222 if a poisoning is suspected.

A full list of local treatment and support services for substance use in Long Beach is available on the Community Resources tab at longbeach.gov/harmreduction.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at HE-PublicAffairs@longbeach.gov. The Health Department remains committed to protecting the community and promoting harm reduction efforts to prevent overdose deaths.

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