Florida AG Takes Action on Synthetic 7-OH Products

Hey friends,

You may have seen some headlines this week about a major legal move in Florida targeting a compound known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7OH. Since this comes on the heels of our recent post breaking down the difference between kratom tea and concentrated 7OH, we wanted to provide a quick update and explain what this means for you and our local botanical community.

What Happened?

On August 13, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an emergency action to target synthetic 7OH products being falsely marketed as kratom.

These products, often found in shots, gummies, or pills, contain concentrated 7OH, a compound with potency greater than morphine, and far more intense than what naturally occurs in kratom leaves. This action is part of a larger push to protect consumers from mislabeled, unsafe, and highly addictive substances.

Important: This is NOT a ban on kratom leaf or traditional kratom tea.

The Attorney General’s emergency rule applies only to synthetic 7OH, not to kratom products made from natural leaves, which contain only trace amounts of 7OH.

Why This Matters

Here at Shanti, we care deeply about offering safe, natural, and community-minded alternatives like kava and kratom tea. These are traditionally prepared, whole-plant brews, not lab-created extracts or concentrated isolates.

This new move by Florida helps draw a clear line between dangerous synthetics and the traditional, plant-based options that many people responsibly use for relaxation and well-being.

We support steps that keep consumers safe without banning natural kratom. In fact, the American Kratom Association (AKA) is actively working with Florida officials to make sure this action stays focused on synthetics and doesn't unfairly impact safe, natural kratom products.

What's Next in Florida?

Right now, the AG’s action is an emergency rule, which means it’s temporary. For it to become permanent, the rule will need to go through the state legislature. There will likely be more discussion and input in the coming months.

We’ll keep you updated, especially if your voice as a kratom consumer or advocate is needed.

Meanwhile in Ohio: Kratom Ban Proposed in Toledo

Outside Florida, there’s another situation brewing: Toledo, Ohio’s City Council is considering a full ban on kratom.

The proposed ban is being pushed by a group called Kratom Danger Awareness, which is lobbying local lawmakers to outlaw kratom altogether. A hearing is scheduled for August 20, and community members are being encouraged to speak up in support of fair regulation — not prohibition.

If you’re from Ohio, or have friends and family in the area, now’s the time to make your voice heard.

Our Take: Informed Choices Matter

We believe you deserve access to safe, natural options, as well as honest, accurate information about what you’re consuming.

As a kava bar, we prioritize education and transparency. Whether you're sipping a shell of kava or trying traditional kratom tea, we’re here to guide you, not to sell you hype, or unsafe trends. Kratom has played a meaningful role in each of our personal wellness journeys, and we truly believe it can offer the same support to those we serve.

If you ever have questions about what we serve, how it’s made, or where it comes from, just ask. We’re always happy to share.

Stay Connected

We’ll continue monitoring developments here in Florida and beyond, and we’ll keep advocating for safe access, honest labeling, and smart regulation, not fear-based bans.

Thanks for being part of our community. 🌿