November 13, 2025
Attorney General Chris Carr is urging Georgians to be on high alert as dangerous synthetic opioid products continue to appear in gas stations, vape shops, and convenience stores throughout the state. The products, often marketed misleadingly as natural kratom, contain high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — a lab-altered compound that federal officials say is 13 times more potent than morphine.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, concentrated forms of 7-OH can lead to seizures, addiction, withdrawal, overdose, and even death. While 7-OH occurs naturally in small amounts within the kratom plant, the versions now appearing in retail stores are often synthetically enhanced and designed to be more addictive. Many are packaged to resemble gummies, candies, or novelty treats, targeting teens and young adults.
“We’re staring down the next wave of the opioid crisis, and we have to take action before it’s too late,” Carr said. “These harmful and addictive drugs are sold like candy, and they’re putting children at risk. It’s unacceptable and it’s illegal, and there will be consequences for those who break our laws.”
The FDA recently moved to classify 7-OH as a controlled substance, noting it has no approved medical use and cannot lawfully be sold as a dietary supplement or added to conventional food products.
Georgia Law Tightens Kratom Regulations
Georgia has enacted several laws in recent years aimed at curbing dangerous kratom and kratom-like substances.
Under the Georgia Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which took effect Jan. 1, 2025, retailers must:
Verify that buyers are at least 21 years old
Keep kratom behind the counter or in a secured display
The law also makes it illegal to use or sell kratom with any vaping device.
A newer law, O.C.G.A. § 16-13-122, took effect July 1, 2025, placing strict limits on the concentration of substances allowed in kratom products sold in Georgia, including:
No more than 150 mg of mitragynine per serving
No more than 0.5 mg of 7-OH per gram
No more than 1 mg of 7-OH per serving
The law further prohibits the sale of adulterated kratom, or any product containing synthetic alkaloids — including synthetic 7-OH.
Kratom packaging must also clearly list ingredients, alkaloid content, safety warnings, age restrictions, and manufacturer information.
State officials urge consumers who suspect a business is violating these requirements to report it to local law enforcement.
Tianeptine: Another Threat on Store Shelves
Carr’s office is also warning about tianeptine, widely referred to as “gas station heroin.” Tianeptine products are sold online and in convenience stores, often marketed with false claims that they can boost brain function or relieve anxiety, depression, or pain.
The FDA and public health officials warn that tianeptine is unapproved, addictive, and dangerous, with documented side effects including:
High blood pressure
Rapid heart rate
Respiratory depression
Vomiting
Coma
Death
Emergency calls and poison-control reports involving tianeptine have surged in recent years.
Consumers struggling with opioid addiction, depression, anxiety, or chronic pain are urged to seek guidance from licensed medical professionals regarding FDA-approved treatments.
Where to Get Help or Report Concerns
Adverse reactions to 7-OH products:
Contact the FDA at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366).Poison emergencies or exposure concerns:
Call the Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222, available 24/7.
