Fresno Health department says to avoid supplement kratom. Here’s why
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- Fresno County urges public to avoid kratom and 7‑OH products linked to deaths
- County warns unregulated gummies, tablets and powders may contain high 7‑OH
- New county rule restricts sales to tobacco sellers, bans youth sales and high 7‑OH
The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) is urging the public to avoid products containing the supplement known as kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as (7-OH), which is derived from the leaves of a kratom plant that originates in Southeast Asia.
Recent reports in California have linked concentrated 7-OH products to serious health outcomes, including overdose deaths among young adults.
According to the health department, the substances may be found in unregulated, high-potency products such as gummies, tablets, capsules, powders, beverages, and shots which may be sold in smoke shops, gas stations, retail stores, and online. Products may be marketed as “natural” or “safe,” which can be misleading.
Kratom and 7-OH products may be advertised as “plant alkaloids,” “herbal supplements,” or as products that support energy, mood, or focus, said county health officials.
Because 7-OH levels in these products may be unknown and unregulated, the risk of overdose and other adverse effects may be higher, said county health officials.
Kratom and 7-OH can cause serious side effects, including: Withdrawal symptoms; trouble sleeping; anxiety; seizures and slow or stopped breathing, which can be fatal.
Last fall, the county adopted the Fresno County kratom law to regulate sales in unincorporated areas of Fresno County, which became effective Jan. 8.
According to the county, only businesses or individuals authorized to sell tobacco products may sell kratom and must follow these rules:
- Kratom cannot be sold, offered, or distributed to anyone under 21 years old.
- Kratom products cannot have 2% or more of 7-OH in the total alkaloids.
- Kratom products cannot contain synthetic or chemically changed substances.
- Products cannot be sold if labels are missing, changed, or used to hide ingredients.
- Sellers must check ID to confirm age before selling kratom.
Kratom products cannot be packaged to attract children (including cartoons, toys, characters, candy-like images, or packaging that looks like kids’ snacks such as candy, cereal, or chips).
Violations of the Fresno County kratom law may result in administrative fines and additional enforcement actions, as applicable.
For more information, visit the FCDPH kratom webpage: www.fcdph.org/Kratom.
This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 4:13 PM with the headline "Fresno Health department says to avoid supplement kratom. Here’s why."
