Florida Attorney General to Address 7-Hydroxymitragynine at Press Conference in Tampa

Florida Attorney General to Address Controversial Substance 7-Hydroxymitragynine in Tampa Press Conference

TAMPA, FL – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is set to hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the implications of “7-hydroxymitragynine,” commonly referred to as “7-OH.” This announcement comes on the heels of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent decision to classify the compound as a Schedule I controlled substance.

The press conference, scheduled for 2 p.m. at Tampa General Hospital, will feature several key figures, including FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, who has labeled 7-OH as “an opioid by scientific definition.” He emphasized that the compound binds to neuro-receptors in the brain similarly to morphine, raising concerns about its potential risks.

7-OH is often found in enhanced kratom products available at gas stations and smoke shops, marketed in various forms such as candy-flavored gummies, shots, and vapes. While kratom is derived from a Southeast Asian coffee plant, 7-OH is a synthetic extract known for its significantly higher potency.

The Debate Over 7-OH

Supporters of 7-OH argue that it could serve as a valuable tool for individuals recovering from opioid addiction. The Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART) points to data indicating a 30% decrease in opioid overdoses in Florida last year, suggesting that the kratom-derived compound has a substantial consumer base and potential therapeutic benefits.

However, the FDA’s classification of 7-OH as a Schedule I substance would place it alongside drugs like heroin and LSD, making its sale and possession illegal. A final ruling on this classification could take several months, including a 30-to-60-day public comment period.

Local Leaders Join the Conversation

Joining Uthmeier at the press conference will be several statewide leaders, including Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Wilton Simpson, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Dean of USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Dr. Charles Lockwood, and Associate Medical Director of Florida Poison Control Tampa Dr. Cory Howard.

As the debate over 7-OH unfolds, the press conference aims to shed light on the complexities surrounding this controversial substance and its potential impact on public health and safety.

For those interested in following the developments, the press conference will be streamed live, and further updates will be provided by local news outlets.

Source: Information for this story was provided by the office of Attorney General James Uthmeier, Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART), and previous FOX 13 reports.