Kratom’s Deadly Toll Continues To Grow

Kratom products have been linked to serious health problems, addiction, overdose and death. Now, highly concentrated products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, are adding to concerns about the risks these products may pose.

Health officials have warned about 7-OH products, which can have powerful opioid-like effects. They are often sold as tablets, gummies, shots and extracts. But concerns are not limited to 7-OH. Traditional kratom products have also been linked to serious injuries and deaths.

Understanding Kratom and 7-OH

Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. Kratom contains several active compounds, including mitragynine and naturally occurring 7-OH.

Some newer products contain much higher levels of 7-OH or processed forms of the substance. The FDA has warned about the risks tied to concentrated 7-OH products.

These differences are important, but they do not mean traditional kratom products are safe. Beasley Allen has investigated serious injuries and deaths involving both traditional kratom and concentrated 7-OH products. The firm previously filed a lawsuit after the death of a client who used kratom.

Poison Center Reports Are Rising Fast

The numbers show how quickly concerns are growing.

U.S. poison centers received 3,190 reports involving kratom and kratom-related products in the first half of 2026. Reports involving 7-OH rose from 593 in all of 2025 to 901 in just the first six months of 2026.

Among cases involving only 7-OH, nearly 39% resulted in serious health problems, and about one in five patients were hospitalized. Reported effects included trouble breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, dependence and withdrawal.

The CDC has also reported a long-term rise in kratom exposures. Poison centers received 14,449 reports from 2015 through 2025, including 233 kratom-related deaths. Most of those deaths involved more than one substance.

Beasley Allen Is Investigating Kratom and 7-OH Cases

Beasley Allen has investigated serious injuries and deaths linked to kratom products for years. The firm previously filed a lawsuit after the death of a client who used kratom. That case raised concerns about product warnings and safety information.

If you or someone you love suffered a serious injury, overdose or death after using kratom, 7-OH or a synthetic kratom product, contact us to learn more about your legal options.