Is a Drug Stronger Than Morphine Driving Addiction in N.J.?

At a Glance: Kratom in New Jersey

• Kratom remains legal in New Jersey, sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online despite federal scrutiny.
• The compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), found in some kratom products, can act on opioid receptors and has been described as more potent than morphine.
• FDA officials recommend scheduling 7-OH as a controlled substance due to its opioid-like effects and risk for addiction.
• Health concerns include dependence, withdrawal, and overdose risks, especially with concentrated products or when combined with other substances.
• Advocates push for Kratom Consumer Protection Acts, which would regulate purity, labeling, and age restrictions rather than banning kratom entirely.
• Public health experts warn that concentrated 7-OH products may fuel a new wave of addiction if left unregulated.

What this story is about

New Jersey allows sales of kratom products, including some concentrated forms tied to a compound called 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH). Health officials warn that 7‑OH acts like an opioid and can be more potent than morphine, raising concern that these products could deepen the addiction crisis. Advocates say regulated kratom can help some adults manage pain or withdrawal. The debate now centers on science, safety, and how New Jersey should respond.

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What is kratom and what is 7‑OH?

Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. Some people use it to boost energy or to ease pain and withdrawal symptoms. The plant contains several alkaloids, mitragynine and 7‑OH among the most studied, that interact with opioid receptors.

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Why it is legal, and widely sold, in New Jersey

Kratom products are on shelves in parts of New Jersey, including smoke shops, gas stations, and online vendors. The state does not have a comprehensive kratom statute in effect. Several states regulate or ban kratom; federal agencies continue to evaluate policy options.

‘More potent than morphine’: what the science and regulators say

Natural kratom vs. concentrated 7‑OH

In traditional teas or powders, 7‑OH appears in very small amounts. By contrast, some modern products concentrate 7‑OH or add semisynthetic versions, which federal officials describe as potent opioids by design, including red kratom effects and risks. This distinction, between raw plant material and engineered concentrates, underpins current regulatory moves.

FDA’s position and recent actions

In July 2025, the FDA urged scheduling 7‑OH as a controlled substance, citing its opioid activity and potential to drive a new wave of addiction. Learn about prescription opioid addiction treatment. The agency also issued compliance actions against companies marketing 7‑OH items. These steps do not target traditional kratom leaf, but they do aim squarely at concentrated 7‑OH products. The AP and other outlets reported the same emphasis: curbing 7‑OH while leaving raw kratom outside the scope of that specific action.

Health concerns and reported harms

Policymakers and public‑health responses

Industry and advocacy views

Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPA)

Kratom advocates, including the American Kratom Association, often back KCPA‑style bills that require age gates, product testing, labeling, and bans on adulterants, rather than bans on kratom leaf. They argue that adult consumers deserve access to standardized, contaminant‑free products and that regulation should target 7‑OH concentrates and unsafe manufacturing. (General advocacy position summarized; details vary by state.)

What New Jersey consumers should know

Practical points for adults considering these products

• Know the difference between kratom leaf/powder and concentrated 7‑OH products. The latter are the subject of the FDA’s recent push for control due to opioid‑like potency.
• Assume variability. Alkaloid levels differ by brand and batch; labels may not reflect actual content.
• Avoid co‑use with opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or sedating medications due to respiratory‑depression risk.
• Watch for dependence. If daily use escalates or stopping causes symptoms, seek medical advice.

If you or someone close is at risk of opioid exposure, carry Naloxone (Narcan).

If you need help

New Jersey residents can contact ReachNJ for screening, referrals, and connections to local treatment providers regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

How Nova Recovery Center Helps Individuals Overcome Kratom Addiction

Nova Recovery Center provides comprehensive support for individuals struggling with kratom addiction and abuse. Our programs are designed to address both the physical dependence and the underlying issues that contribute to substance use. With a structured continuum of care, we guide clients through detox, residential treatment, and long-term rehab tailored to their needs. Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and relapse prevention strategies help clients build the tools necessary for lasting recovery.

We also integrate holistic approaches to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being throughout treatment. For those affected by kratom’s potent compounds, our experienced team offers medical oversight and personalized treatment plans that prioritize safety and long-term success. Family involvement and peer support are central to our philosophy, creating a community where clients can heal and rebuild healthy relationships. At Nova Recovery Center, the goal is to equip each individual with the knowledge, coping skills, and confidence needed to achieve lasting sobriety and improve overall quality of life, then continue care in an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

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Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kratom and its compounds, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), may carry health risks and should not be used without medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any substance or supplement. If you experience severe side effects, signs of withdrawal, or thoughts of self-harm, call 911 in the United States or seek emergency medical help right away. For confidential mental health support, you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

Nova Recovery Center Editorial Guidelines

By instituting a policy, we create a standardized approach to how we create, verify, and distribute all content and resources we produce. An editorial policy helps us ensure that any material our writing and clinical team create, both online and in print, meets or exceeds our standards of integrity and accuracy. Our goal is to demonstrate our commitment to education and patient support by creating valuable resources within our realm of expertise, verifying them for accuracy, and providing relevant, respectful, and insightful data to our clients and families.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, April 12). Notes from the field: Unintentional drug overdose deaths with kratom detected, 27 states, July 2016–December 2017. MMWR, 68(14), 326–327. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from CDC: Wr. 
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, June 11). Lifesaving naloxone. CDC Stop Overdose. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html. 
3. Colorado General Assembly. (2025). SB25-072: Regulation of kratom. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from leg.colorado.gov: Bills. 
4. Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association. (2025, April). Kratom: Summary of state laws. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from /media/2025__04__Kratom-Summary-of-State-Laws.pdf. 
5. Matsumoto, K., Horie, S., Ishikawa, H., Takayama, H., Aimi, N., Ponglux, D., & Watanabe, K. (2004). Antinociceptive effect of 7‑hydroxymitragynine in mice: Discovery of an orally active opioid analgesic from the Thai medicinal herb Mitragyna speciosa. Life Sciences, 74(17), 2143–2155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2003.09.054 (Retrieved October 1, 2025, from PubMed: 14969718). 
6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, March 25). Kratom. NIDA. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from NIDA: Kratom. 
7. New Jersey. LegiScan. (2024–2025). S3981 “CJ’s Law”; Criminalizes manufacture and distribution of substances containing kratom under certain circumstances (Introduced). Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://legiscan.com/NJ/text/S3981/id/3033882. 
8. Reuters. (2025, July 29). FDA recommends 7‑OH compound found in vapes be controlled. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-recommends-7-oh-compound-found-vapes-be-controlled-2025-07-29/. 
9. Todd, D. A., Kellogg, J. J., Wallace, E. D., Khin, M., Flores‑Bocanegra, L., Tanna, R. S., … Cech, N. B. (2020). Chemical composition and biological effects of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): In vitro studies with implications for efficacy and drug interactions. Scientific Reports, 10, 19158. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-76119-w (Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-76119-w). 
10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, July 15). FDA issues warning letters to firms marketing products containing 7‑hydroxymitragynine. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from FDA: FDA issues warning letters firms marketing products containing hydroxymitragynine. 
11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, July 29). FDA takes steps to restrict 7‑OH opioid products threatening American consumers. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products-threatening-american-consumers. 
12. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, July 29). 7‑Hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH): An assessment of the scientific data and toxicological concerns around an emerging opioid threat [FDA report]. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.fda.gov/media/187899/download.
13. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). FDA and kratom. Public Health Focus. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom. 
14. United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2025, January 22). Kratom (Drugs of Concern). Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/kratom.
15. University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute. (2025, August). Kratom & 7‑OH: What do we know about use, safety, and overdose risk? Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://adai.uw.edu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/Kratom-202404.pdf