First 'Gas Station Heroin' Death Reported In San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The San Francisco Department of Public Health confirmed its first case of a fatal overdose involving a dangerous and potent opioid also known as "gas station heroin."

Health officials on Wednesday said the victim appeared to have died after consuming the kratom-derived opioid, Dihydro-7-hydroxymirtragynine, also known as MGM-15.

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"Forensic toxicology testing by the OCME confirmed the presence of MGM-15 in both the decedent and in the packaging of this product," health officials said.

The semi-synthetic opioid is not approved for medical use; it is illegal to sell and ingesting too much can lead to death, health officials said.

Officials, meanwhile, are concerned about how accessible the product remains. It has been found in products at smoke shops and gas stations, advertised under names such as "uncaria tomentosa" or "cat's claw," according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

Kratom comes from an evergreen tree commonly found in Southeast Asia called Mitragyna speciosa.

The substance derived from the tree is often sold as a "natural remedy," but more studies are pointing to "significant risks," according to San Mateo County officials.

Although kratom is legal on a federal level, the FDA has placed it on its "drug and chemical of concern" list and warned Americans to avoid consuming it.

There have been several overdoses reported in connection with the drug, which can cause adverse effects, including nausea and liver damage, respiratory issues and death, according to the FDA.

Earlier this year, San Mateo County became the first Bay Area county to ban the substance, with Supervisor Ray Mueller claiming it was "destroying lives up and down the state." Other counties, such as Los Angeles, have already taken similar actions to restrict kratom and 7-OH sales.

SEE ALSO: Darien Bans Sale of Kratom, Likely To Affect Vape Shops