Hillsborough considering potent kratom compound ban

Hillsborough County commissioners are considering a ban on a synthetic extract known as 7-OH. The potent chemical compound is found in certain products that are marketed as kratom supplements. Fox 13's Kylie Jones is covering that story for us. Good morning. Hi guys, good morning. Yeah, Hillsborough County Commissioners had voted unanimously to move forward with an amendment last month that would again ban that 7-OH product. It would add Kratom product to the list and could impose some criminal penalties for selling these products. Now one important distinction is that Kratom itself is legal in Florida for anyone over 21, but 7-OH is a chemical compound that's found naturally in the Kratom plant at low and trace levels. The Kratom plant is a chemical County says it can be concentrated though and altered into an opioid-like form that can be extremely dangerous. The medical examiner says the chemical has been linked to more than 30 deaths in Hillsborough County. Now earlier this year, a statewide emergency ban was issued on 7-0-H, but the ban could expire next year, which is why Hillsborough County leaders are looking into their own restrictions. Now a number of families and anti-drug advocates spoke during public comment at the commission meeting last month. And what really haunts me is how easily these young people can get these products. You don't need a drug dealer and you don't need a prescription. You can walk into a gas station or a convenience store and find them sitting next to energy drinks and chewing gum. The packaging says it's herbal, it's natural. And isn't that what we teach ourselves to believe that natural means safe? Well, natural does not mean safe. Now, the other argument here, kratom supporters have said that kratom itself is a natural plant based product and that it is safe. Some have compared its leaf products to a light beer. Now it's important to note the county's proposed ordinance would not place restrictions on the natural herbal form of kratom as it stands. The proposal doesn't include whole leaf kratom and products that are not chemically altered, although some counties have already taken measures to restrict it. For example, Sarasota County has banned kratom and kratom products altogether. Now again, that public hearing during Hillsborough County Commission's meeting is expected to happen around 10 a.m. All right. Kylie Jones live for us this morning. Kylie, thank you.