February 3, 2026

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn directing County experts to develop recommendations to prevent deaths and serious harm linked to kratom and the chemical compound known as 7-OH. Her efforts come after Los Angeles County recorded seven fatal overdoses associated with kratom and 7-OH since January 2025.

Kratom is an herbal substance which can produce opioid-like and stimulant-like effects. 7-OH is the psychoactive component of kratom leaves and is synthetically concentrated into various products that have become increasingly available at gas stations, smoke shops, and online retailers. Kratom and 7-OH products are unregulated and often marketed as dietary supplements to address a broad range of issues such as pain, anxiety and mood disorders, opioid withdrawal, energy, or general well-being.

“Seven people in LA County died because they took a substance that is being sold openly and marketed as safe,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I want to explore all of our options to better regulate this substance and save lives.”

In July 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warnings about the growing risks of 7-OH products, citing illegal marketing practices and the need for regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic. In response to local fatalities, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued warning letters to retailers in October 2025 to “immediately stop selling any 7-OH products, as these are not lawfully marketed in the U.S. as a drug product, dietary supplement, or food additive.” The department has begun enforcement actions to remove kratom-related 7-OH products from stores.

Several California jurisdictions—including the cities of San Diego, Oceanside, and Newport Beach, and the counties of San Diego, Orange, and Riverside—have already adopted ordinances to ban or restrict the sale or possession of kratom substances. At the state level, Assembly Bill 1088 was introduced in 2025 to establish age limits, labeling requirements, child-resistant packaging, and a ban on synthetic alkaloids.

The motion directs the Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Department of Medical Examiner and in consultation with County Counsel, to report back to the Board within 30 days with recommendations to address and prevent kratom- and 7-OH-related deaths. The report will explore potential ordinance options, funding and staffing needs, and public outreach strategies to inform future County action.