You’ve heard of kratom. You probably sell kratom. Maybe it’s in powdered form, maybe in drinks, maybe even some cutesy gummies. But now there’s a new monster creeping in through your back door—and it’s not just risky. It’s federal-felony-risky.
We’re talking about 7‑Hydroxymitragynine, or 7‑OH. And if that word isn’t on your radar, it damn well should be.
What the Hell Is 7‑OH?
7-OH is a synthetic or concentrated kratom extract. Sounds harmless, right? Wrong.
Here’s what you’re really dealing with:
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A compound that mimics morphine.
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10x stronger than the naturally occurring kratom leaf.
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Packaged in gummies, wellness shots, vapes, and "herbal relief" pills sold at gas stations and—yep—your smoke shop.
And here’s the kicker: The FDA and HHS are now formally recommending it be labeled a Schedule I controlled substance.
You know what else is Schedule I? Heroin. LSD. Meth.
Still think it’s “just a natural supplement”?
Why It’s a Nuclear Bomb in Your Inventory
You might not even know it’s in your products. That’s what makes it so damn dangerous.
Most of these gummies, shots, and “wellness chews” don’t have proper Certificates of Analysis. Half the time the packaging lies. And the suppliers? They don’t care about your store. They care about cash flow.
Here’s how this blows up your shop:
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Possession = Federal charges (yes, just having it)
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Insurance won’t cover seizure losses
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Staff can be arrested even if they didn’t know
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Public perception tanks when your store is labeled as a “drug front”
Real Talk: What You NEED to Do Today
This isn’t a scare tactic. This is the new war on compounds—and the battlefield is your back counter.
Here’s your no-BS action plan:
1. Audit Everything Now.
Pull every kratom product off your shelves. Check for vague labels like “full spectrum kratom extract,” “ultra potent leaf,” or “proprietary alkaloid blend.”
Pull every kratom product off your shelves. Check for vague labels like “full spectrum kratom extract,” “ultra potent leaf,” or “proprietary alkaloid blend.”
2. Burn the Trash.
Destroy anything without a full COA. That includes:
Destroy anything without a full COA. That includes:
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Kratom gummies
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Drinks
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7‑OH infused tinctures
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Vapes labeled “natural morphine alternative”
3. Call Your Suppliers.
Ask point blank: Does this contain 7‑OH?
If they hesitate, dump them. You’re not here to be their scapegoat.
Ask point blank: Does this contain 7‑OH?
If they hesitate, dump them. You’re not here to be their scapegoat.
4. Train Your Staff.
If they can’t ID a 7‑OH product or understand the risks, they’re a liability. You need trained soldiers, not clueless button pushers.
If they can’t ID a 7‑OH product or understand the risks, they’re a liability. You need trained soldiers, not clueless button pushers.
5. Put Up a Policy Notice.
Let your customers know your shop doesn’t carry high-risk synthetics. This builds trust—and gives regulators one less reason to harass you.
Let your customers know your shop doesn’t carry high-risk synthetics. This builds trust—and gives regulators one less reason to harass you.
This Is Bigger Than Kratom
This is a sign of the times. As Delta and nicotine vapes get hammered, shady suppliers are pushing the next “legal high.” First it was HHC. Then THC‑P. Now it’s 7‑OH.
Here’s the truth: The feds are watching. They’ve learned their lesson with Delta. They’re not going to play whack-a-mole again. They’re swinging for full-blown eradication. Don’t be in the way when the hammer drops.
Final Word
If you’re a real operator, you’re playing for the long game. That means staying in business when the other guys get hauled out in cuffs.
If 7‑OH is in your store, you’ve got a liability bomb waiting to go off.
Get it out. Get it gone. And move smarter.
Get it out. Get it gone. And move smarter.
Need help reviewing your product line? Want a staff memo to post in the back room?
I’ve got your back.
I’ve got your back.
— Chad Wade
chadwadetv.com – Because survival is the first step to success.
chadwadetv.com – Because survival is the first step to success.