(Aug. 14, 2026) – The Kansas Substance Use Disorder and Overdose Prevention Program within the Kansas Department of Health and Environment published a special report earlier this month on Kratom and 7-OH-Related Visits to Kansas Emergency Departments. House Bill 2365, which designates 7-hydroxymitragynine/Kratom substances as Schedule l substances took effect on July 1, 2026, banning the distribution of these substances. Schedule I drugs, substances or chemicals are defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration as having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The report details trends in emergency department visits related to Kratom and 7-OH, showing a spike in ED visits after the ban took effect. From June 28, 2026, through July 18, 2026, there were 121 suspected Kratom-related ED visits in Kansas. More than 85 percent of these ED visits are suspected to involve withdrawal or detox from Kratom or 7-OH. For more detailed information, including demographics and geographic distribution of Kratom-related ED visits, see the Special Report.
In September 2025, KDHE and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public alert about the risks associated with 7-OH. Kratom and 7-OH were often marketed together because 7-OH is naturally present in Kratom in small amounts. However, 7-OH products contain synthetic compounds at much higher concentrations and potency. Prior to the ban, these products were sold in smoke shops, gas stations, convenience stores and online shops. 7-OH is more addictive than Kratom, and using it with alcohol or other sedatives can cause severe respiratory depression and, in some cases, death.
--Karen Braman