New York legislation that prohibits the sale of synthetic kratom across New York state was passed by state lawmakers.
The legislation focuses on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). It’s known commonly as “gas station heroin” — an ultra-potent “natural breakdown” of kratom that’s lab made.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration calls it an “emerging public health threat.”
The commissioner of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports explains its dangers.
“It’s way more intense than kratom itself,” said Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham. “So, that is also gaining traction.”
At the close of the legislative session, a proposal prohibiting the sale of 7-OH products across New York state passed both houses unanimously.
“We want to save as many people from this evil substance,” said Democratic state Assemblyman Phil Steck.
Steck is the chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and introduced legislation to bring awareness.
“It is a laboratory-produced version that uses the active ingredient which is mitragynine and multiplies it in strength dramatically as much as a hundred times and it makes 7-OH basically an opioid like any other opioid,” said Steck. “Thirteen times as strong as morphine. It’s the equivalent to heroin. That’s why it’s called ‘gas station heroin.’”
With 7-OH products typically sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops, Republican Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, who also pushed legislation on this issue, invited Steck to rally at the Capitol prior to the close of session in late May.
“Doctors that we’ve spoken to … had said that this was essentially becoming an entry point into the fourth wave of the opioid crisis,” said Blumencranz.
The passage of this legislation follows the passage of two landmark laws last year that prohibit the sale of kratom to anyone under 21 years old and another that requires all kratom products have a full list of ingredients.