What is 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH)?
7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly abbreviated as 7OH, is a potent, naturally occurring alkaloid found in trace amounts in the kratom plant. It acts as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, and its pharmacological activity has made it a focal point for research on non-traditional alternatives to opioid analgesics. Compared to kratom, 7OH offers a more consistent and targeted therapeutic profile.
The Benefits of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH)
Pain Management Without Full Opioids
- Rapid onset of action (reported relief within 20 minutes)
- Reduction in opioid intake (e.g., Tramadol, Oxycodone)
- Management of rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathic pain, and post-surgical discomfort
“I use 7OH and usually the pain goes away in about 20 minutes.” – Jon Hedges
Mental Health and Mood Stability
- Reported improvements in mood, clarity, and emotional regulation
- Use among individuals with PTSD, postpartum depression, and anxiety
- Alternative to SSRIs and benzodiazepines with fewer reported side effects
“I have not felt that much calm and peace and just totally pain and anxiety free, that I wanted to cry….” – Brittany Johnston
“I’d rather take a small dose of this than an SSRI. It’s so helpful in alleviating stress.” – Sarah Henson
Improvement in Daily Functionality
- Increase in reported quality-of-life scores
- Better mobility, sleep, and cognitive function
- Regaining ability to work and care for family
| Name | Condition(s) | Before 7OH QoL | After 7OH QoL | Key Results |
| Kathy | Neuropathy, back pain |
2–3 | 8 | Reduced Rx meds, improved mobility |
| Brittany | Lupus, PTSD, anxiety | 4 | 11 | Eliminated antidepressants, regained stability |
| Cody | Opioid Use Disorder, depression | 2 | 9.5 | Performed better than Suboxone, no side effects |
| Sarah | Anxiety, PTSD | 6/7 | 9/10 | More effective than kratom, improved function |
| Jon | Rheumatoid arthritis | 6 | 8 | Halved Tramadol intake, faster pain relief |
Comparing 7OH vs Kratom: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) | Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) |
| Composition | Isolated alkaloid | Full-spectrum plant with 40+ alkaloids |
| Consistency | High | Varies by strain and origin |
| Potency | ~20x stronger than mitragynine | Lower average potency |
| Onset | ~15–30 minutes | ~45–60 minutes |
| Common Use Case | Chronic pain, opioid tapering | Energy, general well-being |
| Regulation Risk | Moderate | High (state-by-state legality) |
| Side Effects Reported | Rare to none | Nausea, dizziness in high doses |
| Search Interest (Monthly) | 9900+ (“7 hydroxymitragynine”) | 246,000+ (“kratom”) |
National Overdose Trends: A Turning Point?
According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths in the United States dropped by nearly 24% between September 2023 and September 2024. While this decline can’t be attributed to a single cause, it marks a pivotal shift following years of escalating deaths largely fueled by synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
The question researchers and policymakers must now ask: Could the growing adoption of 7OH be part of this trend?
Observations Worth Considering
- The decline in overdose deaths coincides with rising search volume and consumer awareness of 7OH.
- HART participants report stopping opioid use and improving quality of life with 7OH alone.
“7OH has done more for me than Suboxone (MAT) has. With a lot less side effects…” – Cody Griswold
This correlation warrants serious investigation. As overdose deaths decrease, Americans deserve to understand whether safer plant-based partial agonists like 7OH are contributing to harm reduction.
Drug Testing and 7OH
- Standard tests: 7OH is not included in most workplace drug panels
- Targeted screens: May detect 7OH if the lab is screening for kratom metabolites
- Legal implications: Users should disclose 7OH use during formal testing or treatment enrollment
Common Questions Around 7OH
What is the recommended 7-hydroxymitragynine dose?
- Low dose: 1–3 mg (mild effects)
- Moderate dose: 3–6 mg (standard relief)
- High dose: 7–10 mg (for severe pain or opioid tapering)
How does 7OH compare to Suboxone?
“7OH has done more for me than Suboxone (MAT) has. With a lot less side effects…” – Cody Griswold
- Both are partial mu-opioid receptor agonists
- 7OH has fewer reported side effects and does not require tapering
- Users describe better functional outcomes with 7OH in day-to-day life
Is 7OH Legal in Your State?
The legality of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) is closely tied to kratom laws, which vary significantly across the United States. While 7OH is a naturally occurring kratom alkaloid, it is not always named explicitly in legislation—leading to legal gray areas in some jurisdictions.
- In states where kratom is banned, 7OH is often treated as a derivative and may be subject to the same restrictions.
- In states with Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPA), regulated access may apply.
- In some areas, 7OH remains unregulated, but that does not guarantee future protection from scheduling efforts.
To find out whether 7OH is legal in your state, check the most up-to-date map provided by HART here:
👉 hartsupporter.com/legality-by-state
If you are a consumer, researcher, or advocate, understanding the legal status in your region is essential for safe and responsible use.
Legal and Policy Considerations
“It should be available to the people who need it and benefit from it. It should not be banned. It can change your life.” – Brittany Johnston
Regulators are being asked to weigh emerging research and community outcomes before making scheduling decisions. Organizations like HART are compiling qualitative and quantitative data to advocate for safe access and ongoing research.
Conclusion: The Research Case for 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH)
Testimonies from the HART initiative suggest that 7OH offers a compelling alternative to traditional opioid-based and psychiatric treatments. It demonstrates potential for:
- Opioid replacement and tapering
- Chronic pain management
- Depression and anxiety relief
- Improved quality of life with minimal reported side effects
Coupled with real-world data showing a decline in national overdose deaths, 7OH stands out as a candidate for further clinical investigation and policy consideration.
As America confronts the fentanyl crisis, 7OH may be emerging as one of the most promising harm-reduction tools available today.
Sources:
- CDC National Overdose Deaths Data, September 2024
- Verified participant submissions from the HART 2025 survey (Brittany Johnston, Sarah Henson, Jon Hedges, Cody Griswold, etc.)
For updates or access to the full study, visit HART Supporter.
This article contains anonymized personal accounts voluntarily provided by individuals who participated in independent harm-reduction research efforts. All testimonials have been stripped of personally identifiable information in strict accordance with de-identification standards. No protected health information (PHI) is stored, transmitted, or published. This content is presented solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information herein complies with applicable U.S. privacy laws, including HIPAA, under exemptions for de-identified data used in public health and ethnographic research contexts.
