Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Riverside County bans concentrated synthetic 7‑OH kratom products, cites public‑health risk
Summary
The Board approved an ordinance prohibiting sale and distribution of concentrated synthetic 7‑hydroxymitragynine products and regulating natural kratom sales after staff review and multi‑department input. Supporters cited recent fatal overdoses and FDA warnings; board acted 5‑0.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance restricting sale and distribution of concentrated synthetic 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) products and establishing local regulation of natural kratom, voting 5‑0 on item 3.42.
Ryan Sherman of the California Narcotic Officers Association told the board concentrated synthetic 7‑OH products — often sold as extracts, shots, gummies or liquids — can produce life‑threatening respiratory depression and are unregulated. He pointed to recent public‑health alerts and said, "High doses of concentrates, synthetic 7‑OH are frequently co‑used with alcohol and other sedatives which can cause severe respiratory depression and death."
Jeff Van Wagner of the county Executive Office described the multi‑department review led by the executive office that included public health, behavioral health, the sheriff, the district attorney and county counsel. Staff noted the intent was to focus on the most dangerous component — concentrated synthetic 7‑OH — while tracking state legislation. County staff said several cities and Orange County had adopted similar measures and that the county mirrored Orange County's ordinance language to seek regional consistency.
Board members discussed the public‑health rationale and the desire to act while the Legislature debated statewide options. The board approved the ordinance as recommended, 5‑0.
Clarifying details: staff said the county targeted concentrated synthetic 7‑OH in high‑concentration retail products rather than natural kratom leaf; the FDA has issued warning letters to firms marketing concentrated 7‑OH products and public‑health agencies have linked synthetic kratom compounds to fatal overdoses in Los Angeles County. County staff reported outreach to public health, behavioral health, the sheriff's office, district attorney and county counsel during ordinance development.
Ending: The ordinance prohibits sale and distribution of concentrated synthetic 7‑OH products at the county level and includes enforcement authorities; staff said they will continue monitoring state action and coordinate regionally.
