Seven Hydroxy is becoming increasingly popular due to claims that it can boost energy and minimize pain, however, the state of Georgia is beginning to implement laws designed to make the drug less accessible.
Seven Hydroxy, or 7-OH, has been a topic of debate due to growing evidence that the substance can cause dependency and withdrawal.
It comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia called “kratom.” The plant is used by indigenous people, who chew their leaves to manage pain, boost energy and minimize fatigue.
Recently, in the United States, kratom has been sold in tablets or capsules found in grocery stores and gas stations. Despite the similarities it shares with opioids, it has not yet been federally regulated.
While some students at GCSU are noticing the prevalence of the Seven Hydroxy around them, others are not yet aware of the drug and the risks that come with it.
“I have never heard of Seven Hydroxy,” said Abby Lowrey, a sophomore marketing major.
Lowrey’s comment highlights the unawareness of this drug in relation to college students. On the other hand, some students are aware of Seven Hydroxy because of social media.
According to the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Kratom contains 7-Hydroxymitragynine, an alkaloid that is responsible for the effects of the plant. 7-Hydroxymitragynine works by binding to opioid receptors and is metabolized in the liver, which creates more severe psychoactive effects.
Archstone Behavioral Health, an addiction treatment and mental health center, explains that the withdrawal symptoms of Seven Hydroxy mimic those of traditional opioid withdrawal. They list physical symptoms, such as muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and tremors. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, depression, cravings and irritability.
“I know they sell them at gas stations, and they are an energy supplement, but not much else,” said Zoey Hooper, a sophomore mass communication major.
Hooper represents a demographic of GCSU’s student population that knows of the supplement but is not fully aware of its addictive elements.
Although Seven Hydroxy is not yet federally regulated, Georgia has put in place the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) to narrow the reach of the drug.
Aspects of the KCPA designed to protect those under 21 from gaining access to Seven Hydroxy include: labeling requirements, controlled display and concentration limits. Violations of the KCPA can lead to either misdemeanor fines or, in more severe cases, felony charges.
By enforcing that companies must include information regarding serving size and limiting the concentration of 7-Hydroxymintragynine in the product, Georgia is making the drug less accessible. The state is taking the first steps in minimizing the negative effects of a drug that bears so many similarities to traditional opioids.
According to the Advanced Opioid Dependency (ANR) Clinic, “Research indicates that 7-OH is approximately 13-46 times more potent than morphine as an analgesic (pain reliever).”
Evidence indicates that regular consumption may lead the user to develop a dependency, thus causing withdrawal symptoms.
“I have seen Seven Hydroxy primarily on TikTok,” said Val Pelaez, a sophomore political science major.
Some students have come across TikToks in which the creator urges viewers to be cautious of the brands advertising the product, while others attempt to assure viewers that Seven Hydroxy is safe to consume.
The state of Georgia reinforces the importance of regulating substances, even those that are newer and have only recently begun to show harmful consequences.