Feel Free and similar products contain synthetic kratom compounds like 7-OH, which mimic opioids and lack federal regulation.
Social media users report withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing kratom products.
The FDA is moving to classify 7-OH as a Schedule I drug.
Little blue bottles labeled "Feel Free" are widely available at gas stations and convenience stores nationwide. Marketed as a "plant-based herbal supplement" for elevating mood, energy, and focus, these products contain kratom and its potent derivative 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
Recently, social media users have raised concerns about the addictive nature of this product. While Feel Free's label warns against excessive use and recommends half a bottle at most per day, its unregulated ingredients make it easy to exceed recommended doses.
Many products containing 7-OH are promoted as "natural" wellness aids despite being synthetic compounds. Online communities like Reddit’s “Quitting Kratom” have seen over 50,000 members sharing their withdrawal experiences post-consumption.
In July, the FDA labeled the rise of 7-OH-infused products an "emerging public health threat" and announced regulations for the compound.
Kratom originates from Southeast Asian Mitragyna speciosa trees, commonly available in the U.S. as pills, powders, gummies, or extracts.
The exact number of American kratom users is uncertain. While SAMHSA estimates 0.6% usage among those 12 and older in 2021, the Global Kratom Coalition claims it's 9.1%. A 2024 survey found most users take it for emotional relief, energy, anxiety, and pain management.
The FDA finds insufficient evidence to safely sell kratom as a drug or supplement. Adverse effects range from digestive issues to increased heart rate, seizures, coma, and even death in extreme cases.
Oliver Grundmann, PhD, from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, notes that kratom叶子天然含有多种化合物 including psychoactive mitragynine and 7-OH. These compounds attach to brain opioid receptors, offering stimulating effects at low doses and euphoria or pain relief akin to classic opioids with high doses.
Unlike traditional opioids that depress the respiratory system, kratom's primary compounds don't, as research shows. However, highly concentrated 7-OH products (up to 98%) continue surfacing despite being markedly different from raw kratom leaf.
"In recent years, we see a rise in nearly pure 7-OH," Grundmann asserted. He emphasized that this synthetic form shouldn't be equated with natural kratom and should not market thusly.
At an event, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary shared evidence suggesting 7-OH potency exceeds morphine by 13 times. In July, the FDA warned manufacturers against illegal promotion of kratom products and issued a risk report for healthcare providers and parents.
Currently, neither kratom nor its psychoactive compounds face federal regulation. The FDA and DEA are set to classify 7-OH as Schedule I, alongside drugs like LSD and heroin.
At least 24 states and Washington D.C. regulate kratom sale, possession, and manufacture — six of these classify the psychoactive elements as illegal Schedule I substances.
While Grundmann asserts further guidelines for such compounds, he disagrees with Schedule I classification due to research limitations it incurs. He observed that whole-leaf kratom users typically avoid excessive consumption, citing its bitter taste and limited appeal. However, flavored concentrates and extracts offer a more palatable intake route.
Identify safe products by verifying:
- The mitragynine content
- The serving size
- Medical warnings for specific demographics (pregnant, breastfeeding, medication users)
- Restrictions to adults only (18+)
Given the lack of federal oversight on dietary supplements, some manufacturers get independent testing done for safety. Grundmann notes this practice among certain vendors, though its extent remains vague.
To ensure product safety, request a certificate of analysis (CoA) that highlights mitragynine amounts along with contaminants like heavy metals and microorganisms.
High-7-OH concentrations in kratom-based supplements pose opioid-like effects and serious health dangers. Unregulated products require cautious label reading, adherence to dosage guidelines, and preference for third-party certified items.
Contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP if you or someone else struggles with substance abuse issues.
Contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP if you or someone else struggles with substance abuse issues.