The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports has released a new fact sheet warning New Yorkers about the potential health risks associated with kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH.
State officials say kratom, a substance derived from a Southeast Asian herb, remains legal in New York but is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat any medical condition.
According to OASAS, kratom can produce stimulant-like effects in small doses and opioid-like effects in larger amounts, including euphoria, confusion, and reduced alertness. Officials warned that repeated use may lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioids.
The agency also raised concerns about 7-OH, a chemical component of kratom that can have strong opioid effects when concentrated or synthetically produced. Officials said some manufacturers are producing synthetic forms of 7-OH in levels far higher than what naturally occurs in kratom products.
Because kratom and related products are largely unregulated, officials said consumers may not know exactly what ingredients or concentrations are contained in products sold online or in stores.
OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said the new fact sheet is intended to help educate New Yorkers about the possible dangers of the substance.
State Health Commissioner James McDonald said kratom has been linked to liver toxicity, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, respiratory depression, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and, in some cases, coma or death.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies kratom as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern,” although it is not currently listed as a controlled substance under federal law.
In 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation prohibiting the sale of kratom products to anyone younger than 21 and requiring warning labels and ingredient disclosures on products sold in New York.
The New York State Department of Health began specifically monitoring 7-OH in 2025 as research continues into its potential links to dependence and overdose.
