The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today praised Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for swiftly updating its emergency rule on concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) opioid products, reducing the allowable concentration from 1% by total weight to 0.04% by dried weight (or 400 parts per million). The adjustment follows concerns that the original “by total weight” threshold created a loophole enabling manufacturers to produce large-format products and evade restrictions. Directly after the announcement, concentrated 7-OH opioid producers moved to exploit the new rule, creating ‘Florida Compliant’ concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products.
“Florida has taken another important step to protect consumers from dangerous concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “We strongly support this move, which preserves access to safe, natural kratom while closing a loophole that allows concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products to enter the market.”
The original 1% by weight allowance permitted products like 10 mg 7-OH tablets to be manufactured at 1 gram each. With the new 0.04% limit, such tablets are effectively removed from the market. Natural kratom leaf products contain natural 7-OH, at between 0.0021% and 0.0079% by dried weight, well below the 0.04% threshold set in Florida. Natural kratom leaf products remain fully unaffected.
“This update highlights Florida’s leadership in distinguishing between synthetic 7-OH concentrated opioid products and natural kratom leaf,” Lowe continued. “As shown by manufacturers coming out with a ‘Florida Compliant’ product within hours of the announcement, bad actors move quickly to take advantage of any areas that they can find to continue to reap profits over public safety.”
The Global Kratom Coalition remains committed to ensuring responsible regulation of kratom, protecting consumers from synthetic, concentrated 7-OH opioid products, and preserving safe access to natural kratom leaf products for millions of Americans.
For background, see this video of U.S. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.
