The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is moving to ban a strong synthetic version of kratom, according to News 12 New York. The station reported the development as part of a Kane in Your Corner investigation into the substance.
The synthetic version is known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, according to the report. It is a chemically altered form derived from kratom.
The DEA says it is much stronger than natural kratom leaf and can have the same effect as powerful opioids, the station reported. That comparison places it alongside some of the most potent drugs.
The specific analog is 13 times stronger than morphine, which means it is highly addictive, according to News 12 New York. The station relayed those details as it explained the DEA's concerns.
Kratom is sold at convenience stores, and some call it 'gas station heroin,' according to the report. The substance has been marketed as an herbal product.
The American Kratom Association welcomed the move, saying the government is doing the right thing in cracking down on synthetic kratom products, the station reported. The group called the action long overdue.
At the same time, the association insisted that natural kratom leaf itself should remain legal, according to News 12 New York. It argued that it is the chemically manipulated 7-OH products that needed to be banned.