David Bregger, an advocate for kratom regulation, led a demonstration outside the American Kratom Association (AKA) Leadership Summit today to protest the organization’s new stance on highly potent semi-synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) products. Bregger called on the AKA to stand up and support regulations that truly protect consumers.
Bregger, who tragically lost his eldest son, Dan, in 2021 due to the combined toxic effects of concentrated kratom and diphenhydramine, is dedicated to preventing similar tragedies. Through his activism, Bregger is fighting for consumer safety by calling for the regulation of kratom products and a ban on those that are synthetic or manipulated with opioid-like compounds such as 7OH.
Opposing AKA’s Support of 7OH Products
Bregger protested against AKA claims that 7OH products are not kratom, yet AKA supported their sale by relaxing regulation in their model legislation. The AKA plans to make the 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine limit clause a labeling standard instead of a prohibited act which effectively eliminates the only protection against high-concentration 7OH products. This move would create a dangerous loophole that puts consumers at risk. Bregger emphasized that 7OH, regardless of its label, should not be sold as a dietary supplement or ingredient.
“Products are entering the market at a rapid rate that are mislabeled as kratom but are actually 7OH products more akin to opioids like morphine,” said Bregger. “7OH is not kratom. It is something entirely new. These are potent, synthetic compounds that should be vetted by research and approved by the FDA. On top of this, more needs to be done to regulate real kratom products to ensure consumers are well informed and have access to safe products.”
AKA Must Put Consumers Before Industry
With the aim of putting consumers before industry, Bregger also called for AKA to follow the advice of scientists who are opposed to 7OH.
“The AKA, led by the financial interest of its leader Mac Haddow, aims to create a dangerous loophole for these products which puts consumers at risk,” said Bregger. “Kratom regulations are desperately needed and 7OH, regardless of its label, should not be sold as a dietary supplement or ingredient.”
Bregger also called for the AKA to increase financial transparency. As the AKA appears to advance causes of industry while financial information remains shrouded in secrecy (see Joseph Sokol podcast).
Call to Action
Kratom consumers and companies interested in a safe industry led by common sense regulations should demand the AKA reinstate the 2% limit clause under prohibited acts of their model bill which offers the only protection against high-concentration 7OH products. This move prioritizes industry interests over consumer safety. More information is available at: https://www.7ohisnotkratom.com. They should also demand financial transparency from the AKA and its leadership.
Local residents in Rhode Island should similarly encourage common sense regulations that eliminate the risk of 7OH products. In June 2024, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee vetoed a bill at the end of session that would have legalized kratom and protected consumers. Governor McKee cited opposition from multiple state agencies and the Attorney General’s office.
In nearby Massachusetts, several local cities are considering a local ban on kratom products. Local bans are known to not be effective. They only drive the market underground. Instead, lawmakers can introduce their own legislation including age restrictions, serving sizes, and clear labels. That would make kratom safe and legal and put safeguards against 7OH products.
Rhode Island and Massachusetts residents are urged to contact their local representatives and advocate for the kratom regulations to ensure that all kratom products sold in the state are safe, regulated, and accurately labeled.
About 7OH Is Not Kratom
7OH Is Not Kratom is an organization advocating for consumer safety by calling for the regulation of kratom and the investigation of dangerous synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) products. The organization was founded by David Bregger, who tragically lost his eldest son in 2021 due to mislabeled synthetic kratom and is dedicated to preventing similar tragedies. For more information, visit https://www.7ohisnotkratom.com.
