President Trump says government may consider approving certain forms of kratom-derived 7-OH

President Trump suggested the federal government could move to approve some forms of 7-OH, an opioid derived from the kratom plant.

7-OH, short for 7-hydroxymitragynine, occurs naturally in kratom, which is used recreationally and as an unapproved pain treatment. While it is less dangerous than synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, it still poses risks of addiction and overdose.

The FDA previously warned that natural opioids in kratom were being turned into harmful products. Trump's remarks did not clarify what “natural 7-OH” refers to or outline a specific regulatory pathway.

No concrete steps or timeline were announced, leaving uncertainty about any formal approval process.