7-HOPE Alliance, ("7-HOPE"), a trailblazing nonprofit coalition dedicated to protecting legal access to 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), today released a statement following reports that several middle school students ingested kratom products, resulting in hospitalization.
“We are deeply saddened by reports of children ingesting kratom products in Georgia,” said Jackie Subeck, founder and executive director of 7-HOPE Alliance. “No parent should have to worry about their child getting access to products like these. They are meant for adults and the kratom industry and regulators should take every step to protect children wherever possible. This is exactly why we’ve been calling for stronger state and national regulations — to protect kids, support parents, and make sure these products are responsibly manufactured and sold only to adults.”
The 7-HOPE Alliance emphasized that while kratom and its alkaloids, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), have shown potential as harm-reduction tools for adults, they should never be accessible to minors. The group is renewing its call for federal and state legislation that:
- Establishes 21+ age restrictions nationwide for all kratom and 7-OH products.
- Prohibits child-focused marketing, packaging, and placement in stores.
- Requires verified ID checks, independent lab testing, and accurate labeling.
- Mandates clear dosage and warning information for all retail sales.
“Even in states like Georgia, which have 21+ kratom access laws, we’re still seeing gaps that let these products reach children,” Subeck added. “Those laws didn’t go far enough. They left out bans on youth-targeted marketing and didn’t establish strict enough retail controls. We need consistent, nationwide rules that work.”
The Alliance warned that banning individual compounds, like 7-OH alone, does not make communities safer. Instead, such bans push products into unregulated underground markets where quality and age restrictions disappear. According to 7-HOPE, the solution is strong regulation, not prohibition.
“This tragedy is a wake-up call,” Subeck said. “We can’t pretend that banning one compound will keep kids safe. Only comprehensive regulation, covering every kratom-derived product, will prevent this from happening again.”
The 7-HOPE Alliance continues to work with scientists, lawmakers, and public-health advocates to advance national standards that protect youth, support responsible adult access, and ensure ongoing safety research.
About 7-HOPE Alliance
7-HOPE Alliance (7-Hydroxy Outreach for Public Education) is a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) pending) dedicated to advancing public education, user support, and policy advocacy around 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a naturally occurring alkaloid in the kratom plant. Through a foundation of science, storytelling, and community, 7-HOPE empowers individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers with accurate, balanced information on 7-OH and its role in harm reduction, natural wellness, and safe, legal access to alternatives. The organization’s mission centers on four pillars: science, education, advocacy, and user support. By confronting misinformation, promoting responsible use, and providing uplifting real-life testimonials, 7-HOPE aims to ensure 7-OH remains available to the many individuals who find it to be a safe and effective alternative to dangerous painkillers and illegal drugs. For more information or to get involved, visit 7hopealliance.org.
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7-HOPE Alliance
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