7oH, more accurately known as 7-hydroxymitragynine (often abbreviated as 7-OH or 7-OH-MIT), is a powerful alkaloid found in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa). While present in only trace amounts in raw kratom leaves, 7-OH is considered the primary driver behind kratom’s potent opioid-like effects. In recent years, it has also appeared as a standalone, highly concentrated, and sometimes synthetic product, raising questions about its safety, potency, and responsible use.
This page will answer the key questions: What is 7oH? What are its effects? What is a safe dosage? We’ll also explore its risks, pharmacology, and best practices for responsible use.
What is 7oH (7-Hydroxymitragynine)?
- 7-Hydroxymitragynine is a terpenoid indole alkaloid naturally present in the kratom plant.
- It was first identified in 1994 and is now recognized as the most potent active component of kratom, despite its low natural concentration.
- In the body, the main kratom alkaloid, mitragynine, is metabolized in the liver to produce additional 7-OH, amplifying kratom’s effects.
Natural vs. Synthetic 7-OH
- Natural 7-OH: Exists in very small amounts in kratom leaves. Most of the 7-OH in the body is produced from mitragynine after ingestion.
- Synthetic/Concentrated 7-OH: Some products on the market contain purified or chemically synthesized 7-OH, often in much higher concentrations than found in nature. These products are largely unregulated and carry significant risks.
How Does 7oH Work? Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action
- Opioid Receptor Activity: 7-OH acts primarily as a partial agonist at the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), the same receptor targeted by morphine and other opioids.
- Potency: Research indicates 7-OH is 13–46 times more potent than morphine as an analgesic (pain reliever).
- G-Protein Bias: Unlike traditional opioids, 7-OH appears to activate opioid receptors in a way that may reduce some side effects, such as respiratory depression, though this is still under investigation.
7oH Effects: What to Expect
The effects of 7-OH can vary depending on dose, route of administration, and individual sensitivity. Common effects include:
- Potent Pain Relief: 7-OH is a highly effective analgesic, often used for its strong pain-relieving properties.
- Euphoria: At higher doses, users may experience feelings of pleasure and well-being, similar to the effects of other opioids.
- Sedation: Larger doses can cause pronounced sedation, relaxation, and sleepiness.
- Other Effects: Some users report increased sociability, mild stimulation at low doses, and a sense of calm.
Risks and Side Effects
- Addiction and Dependence: 7-OH is highly addictive, with a strong potential for abuse and dependence, comparable to morphine and other opioids.
- Withdrawal: Regular use can lead to withdrawal symptoms similar to those of traditional opioids, including muscle aches, irritability, insomnia, and gastrointestinal distress.
- Overdose Risk: Synthetic or highly concentrated 7-OH products greatly increase the risk of overdose, which can be fatal.
- Other Side Effects: Nausea, constipation, itching, sweating, and dizziness are reported, especially at higher doses.
7oH Dosage: Guidelines for Safe and Responsible Use
General Principles
- Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with the lowest possible dose to assess your sensitivity and response.
- Product Purity Matters: Always verify the concentration and purity of your 7-OH product. Potency can vary widely, especially in unregulated markets.
- Consult a Professional: Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, or those taking other medications, should consult a healthcare provider before use
Typical Dosage Ranges
User Experience Level
Starting Dose (mg)
Notes
New User/Low Body Weight
0.5 – 1 mg
Assess sensitivity, wait 30–60 min before increasing
Typical Starting Dose
1 – 2 mg
Most products recommend starting here
Experienced Users
2 – 5 mg
Only if lower doses are well-tolerated; higher doses increase risk
- Some products contain much higher concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20+ mg per unit). Always follow the product label and never exceed recommended amounts.
Vape Pens
- Start with a single, short puff (1–2 seconds) and wait several minutes to assess the effect.
- Vape cartridges may contain 100–250 mg of 7-OH per milliliter, but the amount per puff is variable and harder to standardize.
Key Factors Influencing Dosage
- Body weight, metabolism, age, genetics, and health status all affect individual response.
- Product variability: Always use products from reputable suppliers with third-party lab testing.
Tolerance and Dependence: Regular use leads to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect and increasing the risk of dependence and withdrawal.
Is 7oH Safe? Understanding the Risks
- Unregulated Market: Most 7-OH products, especially synthetic or concentrated forms, are unregulated and may lack accurate labeling or safety testing.
- Public Health Warnings: The FDA has not approved kratom or 7-OH for any medical use, and warns of significant risks, including addiction, overdose, and death.
- Potency and Overdose: 7-OH’s potency means even small dosing errors can have severe consequences, especially with concentrated products.
7oH vs. Kratom: What’s the Difference?
Feature
Kratom Leaf
7-OH (Isolated/Synthetic)
Alkaloid Content
Contains mitragynine (main), 7-OH (trace)
Pure 7-OH, highly concentrated
Potency
Moderate (due to low 7-OH content)
Extremely high
Safety Profile
Traditional use, lower risk per dose
High risk, especially for overdose
Regulation
Legal status varies
Often unregulated, not FDA approved
Best Practices for Responsible Use
- Always start with the lowest possible dose and increase only if necessary, with careful monitoring.
- Take regular breaks to avoid tolerance and dependence.
- Source from reputable suppliers with transparent lab testing.
- Never combine with other opioids or depressants, as this increases the risk of dangerous side effects or overdose.
- Seek medical help immediately if you experience severe side effects, signs of overdose (difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness), or withdrawal symptoms.
Should You Use 7oH?
7oH (7-hydroxymitragynine) is a potent opioid-like compound found in kratom and available in highly concentrated forms. While it offers powerful pain relief and euphoria, it carries significant risks of addiction, overdose, and other adverse effects—especially when used in synthetic or unregulated products.
If you choose to use 7-OH, do so with extreme caution, respect its potency, and prioritize safety above all else. Always consult with a healthcare professional before use, and remember that the safest option may be to avoid isolated or synthetic 7-OH entirely.
