NEGAUNEE, TWP., Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette County Health Department is warning the public about the dangers of enhanced or concentrated forms of kratom.
Kratom is a plant similar to coffee from Southeast Asia. For years, it’s been used as a natural stimulant. However, newer, more concentrated formulations are appearing on the market, which pose serious health risks.
“These products mimic the effects of opioids, so the active ingredients in kratom products do bind to the same receptors in your brain as opioids would, and some of these derivatives are magnitudes stronger than morphine and more addictive,” said Marquette County Health Department Director Patrick Jacuzzo.
At issue is the lab-produced refined version of kratom, known as 7-OH, short for seven hydroxymetrogenine, which can be up to 13 times stronger than morphine, becoming highly addictive and possibly causing life-threatening respiratory problems, and even death.
“So, with these new derivatives and extracts and concentrates, there’s an extremely higher risk of addiction and negative health consequences,” said Jacuzzo.
Sold online and in smoke shops. Some products are marketed as energy boosters, mood enhancers, or pain relievers. Health advocates are especially concerned about younger users, saying colorful packaging and easy availability can create the false impression that the products are safe.
“Whenever you see something that says extract concentrate or 7OH or MP or pseudo, those types of products are the products that carry the great risk to the health of the public,” said Jacuzzo
Director Jacuzzo says that an overdose caused by kratom can be reversed using Narcan, which is available free of charge at several locations throughout the county, including at the health department.
