Montco Gas Stations, Smoke Shops Urged To Remove Kratom Products: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County retailers are being urged to remove kratom products from their shelves, the district attorney's office announced on Thursday.

The DA office's ran an investigation into the products which contain 7-Hyrdoxymitragynine, an opioid-like chemical which can cause similar similar addiction
and withdrawal symptoms.

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"Through a semi-synthetic process, manufacturers have created concentrated 7-OH products that have opioid-like effects," the DA's office said in their announcement. "The District Attorney's notice informs Montgomery County retailers that concentrated 7-OH products qualify as a designer drug and are prohibited under Pennsylvania Law now."

Despite the request from officials, it remains legal for concentrated 7-OH products to be sold as tablets, gummies, vapes, and small energy drinks. They can be found in smoke shops, gas stations, and convenience stores around Montgomery County and across the state.

In July, the DEA did announce plans to schedule kratom, a move which would provide strict regulation over the types of products sold. But as of September, only some derivatives of 7-OH have been scheduled, leaving many concentrated products remain on shelves.

"Many concentrated 7-OH products do not indicate their similarities to other opioids," the DA's office added. "As a result, consumers may not realize that using these products can lead to opioid-like dependence and withdrawal symptoms."

The Montgomery County DA is the latest county or state agency to grow vocal over the need for regulation.

Residents who need assistance with addiction are encouraged to call the Montgomery County Office of Drug and Alcohol at 610-278-3642 or the University of Pennsylvania's CARECONNECT Warmline at 484-278-1679.