kratom

7-OH’s ban sparks controversy in kava and kratom tea houses

Florida’s recent ban on 7-OH has renewed debate over how Florida should regulate kava and kratom and what that could mean for the state’s booming kava and kratom bars.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier speaks during an event for the National Day of Prayer in Tallahassee on May 1, 2025.

Law & Justice

Florida AG issues emergency rule banning kratom compound

Christine Sexton | Florida Phoenix

A compound called 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH, found in some kratom products, is now a Schedule 1 controlled substance in Florida.

Sam Trathen makes her daily cip of kratom tea one recent morning in her Tampa apartment.

Health

A Florida university is a leader in kratom research, but questions remain

Daylina Miller

A bill that would have further regulated kratom failed to pass in the Legislature as its use continues to grow. Meanwhile, University of Florida continues to lead much of the research surrounding the herb.

Kratom products are legal in most states and are widely available. But the federal Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration worry that kratom carries the risk of physical and psychological dependency and, in some people, addiction.

Health

Florida lawmakers want to set the age limit for kratom use at 21

Valerie Crowder

Florida lawmakers are moving forward with a bipartisan plan to regulate the use of kratom, an herbal supplement that causes opioid- and stimulant-like effects.

Where FDA Sees Deadly Drug, South Florida Advocates See Natural Alternative To Prescription Drugs

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory this week regarding the use of Kratom - an herb that some people use to treat pain,…

Palm Beach County Considers Ban On 'Feel-Good' Herb

Christine DiMattei

While many Florida voters debate the wisdom of legalizing medical marijuana, a different substance is causing concern in Palm Beach County.County…