Medical experts call opioid-like supplement sold in Florida smoke shops 'legal morphine'
Medical experts are calling an over-the-counter substance sold in Florida legal morphine.
7-OH, also known as hydroxymitragynine, is sold in small pouches and comes in various flavors.
Proponents of the medication say it can be effective in treating addiction.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - An over-the-counter substance sold in Florida smoke shops is raising concerns among medical experts, who are calling it a potential public health threat.
The backstory
The chemical, known as 7-OH – or hydroxymitragynine – is marketed in small pouches, sold for less than $10, and comes in flavors such as mint, berry and blue razz.
Researchers say, however, what's inside is far more dangerous than it looks.
"It is a completely opioid molecule," said Dr. Chris McCurdy, a professor at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. "So it interacts only with opioid receptors."
What they're saying
McCurdy and his colleague, Dr. Abhisheak Sharma has been studying 7-OH, and they say the product mimics the effects of potent opioids, without any regulation or oversight.
READ: Former deputy no-shows DUI manslaughter trial, warrant issued
"These products have shown addiction already in many people," McCurdy said. "We've seen this through interviewing a lot of individuals that are taking these products. Some individuals are taking 10 times, even 15 times, the labeled dosage."
Sharma warns the compound has never been studied in humans.
"There is no human data, first of all. The data we have is from pre-clinical research," Sharma said. "It has some similar activities, like morphine, and that's why I call it legal morphine – because you can buy it on market shelves."
Big picture view
Now, Florida lawmakers are stepping in.
State Senator Jay Collins has proposed new legislation to ban 7-OH products statewide. Past attempts have failed, but another bill is set to be heard in committee on Tuesday.
McCurdy, who is working with Collins on the legislation, says the lack of regulation is dangerous.
"Unfortunately, they can be marketed in the United States right now without much regulation because there's no regulation in this whole space," McCurdy said. "What they have created is an isolated, chemical entity that we know is a pure opioid."
The other side
However, not everyone agrees with banning the product. The Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART) released a statement supporting 7-OH's potential in treating addiction.
CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
"HART believes 7-OH could provide a new set of tools to combat opioid misuse and improve public health," the statement read. "Proper regulation of this substance would also expand access to safe options for managing stress and decreasing reliance on harmful, illicit substances."
FOX 13 reached out to 7-Tabz, a leading brand associated with the product, but did not receive a response.
The Source
FOX 13's Evyn Moon collected the information in this story.
WATCH FOX 13 NEWS LIVE:
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android
Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
Download the SkyTower Radar app
Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
GSK's Blenrep combos approved for multiple myeloma in EU
GSK has secured approval in the European Union (EU) for Blenrep combinations to treat adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The therapy received approval for use in combination with bortezomib plus dexamethasone (BVd) and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (BPd) in patients who had received a minimum of one previous therapy, including lenalidomide. The approval was supported by efficacy results from the pivotal DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 Phase III trials, which demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) for Blenrep combinations compared to standard triplet therapies in both studies. In DREAMM-7, Blenrep combinations also showed improved overall survival (OS) compared to a daratumumab-based triplet. The tolerability and profiles of the combinations were consistent with the established profiles of the individual components. GSK oncology research and development global head and senior vice-president Hesham Abdullah stated: 'Today's approval of Blenrep combinations is a redefining moment for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in the EU. 'Blenrep has the potential to extend remission and survival, with superior efficacy versus standards of care in our DREAMM clinical trial programme and the option to administer in both academic and community-based settings.' The combinations also secured approval in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in Japan, the UK and other markets, including Switzerland and Canada, based on the findings from DREAMM-8. Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the review period for the biologics licence application (BLA) submitted by the company for Blenrep combinations for the same indication. The new Prescription Drug User Fee Act action date is set for 23 October 2025, allowing the FDA additional time to evaluate the supplementary information provided in support of the BLA. "GSK's Blenrep combos approved for multiple myeloma in EU" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Associated Press
American Kratom Association (AKA) Las Vegas Press Conference & Debate Invitation: FDA Crackdown on 7-OH Products and Industry Response
'The 7-OH Fault Line: Can the Industry Find Common Ground?' American Kratom Association (AKA) will host a special press conference to address the recent FDA warning letters targeting 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products. The event will feature the AKA's official response, expert commentary on public safety implications, and details of the industry's commitment to consumer protection. Dr. Chris McCurdy of the University of Florida, an internationally recognized expert on kratom, will be attending and available to the media. The AKA has issued a national consumer alert on the action. Following the press conference, media are invited to attend a highly anticipated live debate and policy presentation titled: 'The 7-OH Fault Line: Can the Industry Find Common Ground?' This critical session will feature representatives from the American Kratom Association and the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART)—an organization that supports 7-OH product access—engaging in a robust discussion on science, safety, and regulatory futures. Visit here to register or submit a question beforehand. Press Conference Details 'The 7-OH Fault Line' Debate Details Why It Matters This is a pivotal moment for the kratom industry and public health regulation. As federal action intensifies, the future of kratom—and the distinction between mitragynine and 7-OH products—is on the line. Media will have direct access to the facts, major players, and contrasting perspectives shaping this critical debate. Who Should Attend Local and national press, health reporters, regulatory affairs journalists, and industry media outlets covering FDA policy, herbal supplements, consumer safety, and alternative health products. About American Kratom Association (AKA) American Kratom Association (AKA) is a consumer-based, nonprofit organization, focused on furthering the latest science as guidance for kratom public policy. AKA works to give a voice to millions of Americans by fighting to protect their rights to access safe and natural kratom. For more information, visit and learn more at Media Contact Mac Haddow [email protected] ### SOURCE: American Kratom Association (AKA) Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
Axios
7 days ago
- Axios
Hospitals scoop up physician practices, driving prices up
Hospitals are steadily buying small physician practices and, in the process, driving up the price of care, a new National Bureau of Economic Research study shows. Why it matters: It's the latest evidence of consolidation in health care that's left more than three-quarters of U.S. doctors employed by health systems or corporations. The pace has quickened in recent years, driven by factors like declining reimbursements for some specialties and expenses like electronic health record systems that have left small independent practices struggling. But that's brought a decline in competition that raises antitrust concerns. "These are thousands and thousands of very small transactions and the question is: What do you do about them?" said Yale economist and study co-author Zack Cooper. "[The Federal Trade Commission] clearly do not have the resources to block every acquisition of three physicians." By the numbers: Between 2008 and 2016, the researchers found the the share of private physician practices acquired by a hospital in the U.S. rose by 71.5%. By 2016, roughly half (47.2%) of physician practices were owned by a hospital. Within two years of physician groups being acquired, the study found, physician prices increased an average of 15.1%. Two years after buying an OB-GYN practice, prices for labor and delivery were up by $475, an increase of 3.3%. Virtually all of the estimated deal valuations of physician-hospital mergers the researchers tracked fell below Hart-Scott-Rodino merger reporting thresholds. The big picture: Health systems see opportunities to achieve more clinical integration and expand referral networks by snapping up independent physician practices. The acquisitions aren't limited to hospitals: Private equity and insurers, and businesses like Amazon, are also scooping up medical practices from doctors fed up with declining pay and high overhead costs. The pandemic and its financial pressures also factored in many physicians' decision to sell: By the start of 2022, 73.9% of physicians were working for someone else, including 52.1% by hospitals and health systems, an Avalere study last year found. Cooper said his research shows prices go up as the hospital acquirers achieve more market dominance, without a corresponding increase in quality of care. "When you buy these physicians, it starves other hospitals of physicians and their patients," Cooper said. The other side: The American Hospital Association said the study relies on data from more than a decade ago gathered from an insurer that itself has become a major acquirer of physician practices. "Hospital partnerships for physicians and their practices can offer stability and resources, including upfront investments, infrastructure improvements, electronic health records alignment and facility upgrades, allowing for the continuation of access to care, especially in rural communities," said Aaron Wesolowski, vice president of research strategy and policy communications at the AHA. He said researchers should focus on corporate insurers and other entities that he said have been the main drivers of physician acquisitions. What to watch: How regulators figure out how to address such a large number of small deals. "We need to start thinking critically about what do you do when an industry composed of three to four people but collectively is 2% to 3% of GDP is getting transformed in the ways that we see them getting transformed," Cooper said. He suggests site-neutral payments, or paying the same rate for services regardless of setting, would stop incentivizing hospitals to gobble up so many small practices. But he believes state policies, such as making merging parties demonstrate benefit before a deal is allowed to go through, would also help.
