Lawmakers in Kansas City, Missouri are moving to ban a controversial synthetic drug commonly referred to as 'gas station heroin', citing concerns about addiction and public health.

A City Council committee voted unanimously this week to recommend prohibiting the sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a lab-produced derivative of the kratom plant. The proposal would also impose tighter restrictions on the sale of kratom products within city limits.

Mayor Quinton Lucas said the city must act quickly to address what he described as a growing problem. He said: “We cannot allow products that are more potent than heroin to be sold next to snacks and soda at gas stations,” Lucas said. “This is about protecting public health and preventing another wave of addiction in our community.”

What is 7-OH?

7-OH is a concentrated compound derived from kratom that experts say can produce opioid-like effects. Critics argue it is significantly more potent than morphine and carries a high risk of dependency.

The substance is typically sold in pill form at gas stations, smoke shops and convenience stores, often without age restrictions. Tablets reportedly sell for around $10 each.

Health advocates say its accessibility is part of the problem.

“The ease of access is alarming,” one addiction specialist said during public testimony. “When something this strong is available without regulation, we’re setting people up for harm.”

Regional and statewide efforts

Kansas City is not alone in considering restrictions. Nearby communities including Blue Springs and Independence are also evaluating local bans or tighter regulations.

At the state level, lawmakers in the Missouri House of Representatives and Missouri Senate have introduced legislation that would classify 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance. If approved, the move would effectively ban the compound statewide.

Supporters of the state legislation argue that patchwork local rules are not enough.

“This shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code,” one state lawmaker said during debate. “We need consistent standards across Missouri.”

Federal status raises regulatory questions

Currently, 7-OH is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance. That leaves oversight largely in the hands of state and local governments with the aid of kratom advocacy organizations, such as the American Kratom Association (AKA).

Opponents of outright bans argue that broader kratom regulation, rather than prohibition, may be more effective. “There’s a difference between natural kratom products and synthetic derivatives,” one retailer said. “We need smart regulation, not reactionary bans.”

Regulation has been successful in several states with the adoption of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). A voluntary framework developed by the AKA to protect both consumers and kratom producers, the KCPA standardizes product quality and processes while promoting responsible kratom commerce and usage. You can find out if your state has adopted the KCPA here.

What happens next?

The proposed Kansas City ordinance will now move forward for consideration by the full City Council. Meanwhile, state lawmakers continue to debate whether to impose a statewide ban.

City officials say their goal is prevention: “We’ve seen what happens when dangerous substances flood the market,” Lucas said. “We’re trying to stay ahead of the crisis.”