STAT+: Trump pivots on kratom derivative 7-OH, floating approval for some forms
Why this matters: health reporting relevant to everyday decisions and well-being.
President Trump on Monday suggested the federal government could move to approve some forms of 7-OH, an opioid derived from the naturally occurring kratom plant.&#x A0;&#x A0; “We’re looking very seriously at natural 7-OH and getting that approved,” Trump said.&#x A0; It was not clear what Trump meant by “natural 7-OH.” Small amounts of the compound, shorthand for 7-hydroxymitragynine, occur naturally in kratom, which is increasingly used as a recreational drug and unapproved pain treatment. While kratom is significantly less dangerous than potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl or prescription pain pills, it can still cause addiction and overdose. Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…