SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On Friday the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced they are launching a new compliance effort to remove illegal kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine products from store shelves.

Officials say the initiative aims to protect public health by ensuring these potent opioid products are not available for sale.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warns that kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine can lead to addiction, serious harm, overdose, and death. These products are not legally marketed in the U.S. as drug products, dietary supplements, or food additives.

Claims about the effectiveness of kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine in treating pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal are unproven. Side effects include withdrawal symptoms, insomnia and anxiety, seizures, and potentially fatal respiratory depression.

ABC, following CDPH guidance, is educating its licensees and will enforce compliance against businesses selling these illegal products.

“We want to ensure our licensees are aware of existing laws and take steps to remove these dangerous products from store shelves,” Paul Tupy, director of ABC, said. “We saw overwhelming compliance with illegal hemp products and fully expect to see the same with these products.”

Non-compliance could result in criminal and administrative penalties for licensees.

Since October 2023, ABC has conducted nearly 17,000 site visits, removing 7,357 illegal hemp products. More than 99% of sites visited complied with emergency regulations, with most violations occurring within the first three months.

Under the Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, CDPH has authority over adulterated or misbranded products. CDPH has seized over $5 million worth of kratom and 7-OH products and continues to target retail and manufacturing locations.

These efforts are in coordination with CDPH and the California Department of Tax Fee Administration. Resources, including a fact sheet for local health agencies and a letter to tobacco retailers, are available to further educate about these products.

For more information, visit the CDPH website. To report illegal kratom products at an ABC-licensed location, visit ABC’s website or call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232.