By admin 
Potent synthetic kratom compounds have been linked to overdoses, addiction, and a recent death under investigation, the California Poison Control System warned.
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The compounds have been found in popular herbal products, such as products marketed as kava and cat’s claw, the agency said in a news release Monday.
The products identified are from the Buzzers and Homiez brands, the California Poison Control System said.
“Because these products are sold online and in retail stores, many people assume they’re safe,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, medical director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “But natural does not mean harmless. Neither kratom nor its derivatives are approved by the FDA, and synthetic compounds like 7-OH carry a much greater risk of addiction, overdose, and other serious health consequences.”
Calls to the agency about kratom have risen from two in 2015 to 233 in 2025, Vohra said.
On July 1, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency filed a notice of intent to classify highly concentrated and synthetic kratom-related substances as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, the agency said in a July 7 news release.
Here’s what to know:
What is kratom?
The compounds are produced from leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia, which are crushed before being smoked, brewed with tea or placed into gel capsules.
Kratom in its raw form can have a mild stimulant effect. In higher doses, it can have an analgesic effect.
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Companies are synthetically concentrating the psychoactive compound found in kratom leaves into various products sold as dietary aids in gas stations and smoke shops.
They are marketed as treatments for “pain, anxiety and mood disorders, opioid withdrawal, or energy/general well-being,” officials said.
The products are sold as tablets, gummies, drink mixes, and concentrated liquid extracts or shots for drinking, which officials say can be especially risky.
Physical withdrawal symptoms can include muscle aches and spasms, gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, sweating and fever.
Psychological withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety and irritability, dependence and insomnia.
Kratom overdoses can be a life-threatening emergency so call 911 or go to an emergency department for immediate medical attention.
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