President Trump suggested Monday that the federal government could move toward approving some forms of 7-OH, an opioid derived from the naturally occurring kratom plant.
“We’re looking at natural 7-OH very seriously and we’re trying to get it approved,” President Trump said.
It was not clear what Trump meant by “natural 7-OH.” This compound, short for 7-hydroxymitragynine, is found naturally in small amounts in kratom and is increasingly used as a recreational drug and unapproved pain treatment. Although kratom is significantly less dangerous than powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl and prescription painkillers, it can still cause addiction and overdose.
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