11 hours ago
Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC) Releases White Paper Refuting HART's Misleading Claims on Synthetic 'Gas Station Heroin' and Opioid Mortality Rates
'HART's argument isn't just scientifically unsupported—it's dangerous,' stated Dr. C. Michael White, UCONN
Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC) today released a comprehensive position paper, " Fact Check on Synthetic 7 Solving the Opioid Crisis,' refuting the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust's (HART) claim and that of its National Policy Director Jeff Smith (media clip here ) that synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine ('synthetic 7') products have reduced the opioid mortality death rate in the United States.
This claim, which HART has presented in testimony to lawmakers in multiple states and to media outlets, is not supported by any published clinical trials or peer-reviewed observational studies. In contrast, the KCAC's position paper outlines overwhelming evidence pointing to community naloxone distribution and public health partnerships as the true drivers of reduced opioid deaths.
'HART's argument isn't just scientifically unsupported—it's dangerous,' said Dr. C. Michael White, Pharm.D., FCP, FCCP, FASHP, a pharmacist, distinguished professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, and KCAC chair. 'The reduction in opioid mortality in recent years correlates most clearly with community-based naloxone access and training initiatives, not the rise of potent, unregulated synthetic opioids being sold in gas stations and smoke shops.'
The KCAC white paper highlights well-documented evidence from public health literature:
Unlike whole-leaf kratom and natural mitragynine—which preclinical studies suggest have a low risk of respiratory depression—synthetic 7 and similar analogs (including tianeptine and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl) have been shown in multiple animal studies to significantly depress respiratory function at high doses. These effects mirror those of morphine and respond poorly to naloxone reversal—underscoring their danger to public health.
Further, anecdotal reports suggest that synthetic 7 products have caused severe addiction, and the rapid tolerance requires consumers to escalate doses over time. In addition, their bright packaging and candy-like branding (e.g., 'Perks,' 'Opia,' 'Rave') may appeal to children and teens—raising additional concerns among parents and policymakers.
Leading kratom researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Florida have issued urgent warnings about the proliferation of 7 products and their potential for abuse, dependence, severe withdrawal, and even respiratory depression —dangers that run directly counter to it being marketed as a treatment for opioid addiction. A leading forensic research center has published public alerts on 7 products.
Dr. White cautions, 'Selling potent opioid receptor-stimulating 7 products in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops in unlimited quantities within arm's reach of candy bars and energy drinks is a public health recipe for disaster. It allows a whole new generation of consumers to potentially get hooked on opioids, and we know where that leads.'
The KCAC's position papers in total provide lawmakers a roadmap based on the best available published evidence to protect consumers while still maintaining access to natural kratom products and runs counter to unsubstantiated pseudo-scientific claims.
Download the full position paper here.
About Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC)
Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC) is an independent board made up of a clinician-scientist and consumers that uses the strongest available evidence to produce position statements that promote evidence-based policy. The KCAC is supported by the Global Kratom Coalition which advocates for regulations that protect consumers and curbs the sale of adulterated or synthetic products falsely marketed as kratom. For more information, visit
Media Contact
Dr. C. Michael White
[email protected]
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SOURCE: Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC)
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