The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) announced today the release of a position paper addressing the proliferation of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) products in the market. "GKC Position Paper: 7-hydroxymitragynine Products” delves into the complexities surrounding these synthetic products and their implications for public health and regulation. According to the GKC, the safety of 7OH products has not been established and what is currently known about its commercialization is not in the interest of public safety. Products that contain synthetically derived 7OH should not be considered as kratom products.
The GKC Position Paper is now available online for public reference, providing a comprehensive examination of the issues at hand and guiding principles for responsible kratom advocacy – click here.
Kratom, a botanical substance with a rich history of traditional use, contains a myriad of alkaloids that synergistically contribute to its effects. As staunch advocates for the responsible manufacture, use, and regulation of kratom products, the GKC expresses deep concern over the surge in products falsely marketed as kratom in the United States, some of which actually contain synthetically derived analogues of the alkaloids naturally found in kratom.
One prominent example is the emergence of products featuring synthetic 7OH. These products claim heightened potency due to elevated levels of mitragynine and other alkaloids, yet a closer examination reveals concerning disparities in alkaloid composition compared to authentic kratom products.
The GKC has found many of these products have very little or non-existent levels of kratom-derived alkaloids and disproportionately high concentrations of synthetically produced 7OH. Such imbalances raise significant safety considerations particularly given what is known about the pharmacological profile of 7OH.
In a recent statement, some of the leading kratom scientists underscored the necessity of limiting 7OH content in kratom products. They clarified that 7OH is not a natural component of the kratom leaf, should be found in only very low levels in native leaf material, and is often undetectable in kratom products sold in the U.S. Moreover, the regulatory landscape, exemplified by the proposed Kratom Consumer Protection Act in California, limits the amount of 7OH found in kratom products to less than 1% of total alkaloids.
The GKC firmly rejects the integration of 7OH into the existing kratom supply chain, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between natural kratom products and synthetically produced products that are being erroneously sold as kratom products.
In light of these considerations, the GKC advocates for robust regulatory measures and comprehensive research to address the complexities surrounding 7OH isolate products and ensure public safety.
About the Global Kratom Coalition
The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) exists to protect and expand access to leaf-based kratom around the world. The organization represents the interests of advocates committed to positive change benefiting consumers. The organization supports education and the development of kratom science, which is central to the GKC’s mission—to empower individuals worldwide with access to safe and responsibly sourced kratom products by advancing scientific research and sensible regulation.
The GKC operates on five key values:
- Access: The belief that individuals should have a choice as to how they look after their health, informed by the latest unbiased information available.
- Education: Providing accurate, evidence-based information about kratom (including on our website), allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
- Advocacy: Serving as a united voice for kratom consumers worldwide, seeking fair and sensible regulations that prioritize consumer safety, freedom of information, and good sourcing and manufacturing practices.
- Community: Fostering a global group of enthusiasts, experts, vendors, and advocates to promote the benefits of kratom and fight for informed and responsible use.
- Responsibility: Promoting the responsible use of kratom and encouraging vendors to adhere to strict quality and safety standards so that consumers have access to products that are safe, well-manufactured, and appropriately labeled.
Please follow us at:
Website: https://globalkratomcoalition.org
Twitter: @kratomcoalition
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Media Contact
Matthew Lowe
mlowe@globalkratomcoalition.org
Media Contact
Matthew Lowe
mlowe@globalkratomcoalition.org
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