Kava & Company, Jacksonville, FL
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Kratom vs 7-OH: What's the Difference?

Answered by the Kava & Company crew in Jacksonville, FL · 3 min read · Updated
The bar counter at Kava & Company San Marco in Jacksonville
The short answer

7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) is a compound found in only trace amounts in natural kratom leaf. Concentrated 7-OH products are made to contain far more of it and are much more potent than kratom. Florida has banned high-concentration 7-OH products, while natural kratom leaf remains legal for adults 21+.

What 7-OH is

Natural kratom contains dozens of alkaloids. The main one is mitragynine. 7-OH shows up naturally in tiny amounts. Concentrated "7-OH" tablets, shots and gummies are made by boosting that compound, often by processing mitragynine, so they're far stronger than the leaf.

Is 7-OH stronger than kratom?

Yes, by a lot. Research describes 7-OH as much more potent at opioid receptors than mitragynine. That's the main reason regulators have focused on it. In 2025 the FDA called these concentrated products a public health concern and recommended scheduling them.

Is 7-OH legal in Florida?

High-concentration 7-OH is not legal. Florida's Attorney General placed 7-OH above set thresholds, along with several related compounds, on Florida's Schedule I list through emergency rules starting in August 2025. State agriculture rules also require kratom products to list 7-OH content on the label. Full details in is kratom legal in Florida.

How to tell what you're buying

  • Read the label for 7-OH content (Florida requires it)
  • Be careful with products sold as "7-OH", "7-hydroxy" or with names suggesting extreme strength
  • Buy from a shop that can show lab testing
  • Ask questions. Your kava tender should be able to answer them

Natural kratom still has risks

Natural leaf is much milder, but it's not risk-free. Read kratom addiction and withdrawal for the honest picture.

People also ask

Is 7-OH the same as kratom?

No. 7-OH is one compound found in trace amounts in kratom. Concentrated 7-OH products are much stronger than natural kratom leaf.

Is 7-OH stronger than kratom?

Yes. 7-OH is much more potent, which is why it's being regulated.

Is 7-OH illegal in Florida?

High-concentration 7-OH products are on Florida's Schedule I list under emergency rules.

Is natural kratom still legal in Jacksonville?

Yes, for adults 21 and over.

Visit us in Jacksonville

Kava & Company's kratom is lab-tested. Questions about a product? Ask any kava tender at our San Marco, Mandarin or Jax Beach locations in Jacksonville.

Kava & Company San Marco

1224 Kings Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 551-3809
Sun-Tue 9am-12am · Wed-Sat 9am-2am

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Kava & Company Mandarin

11018 Old St Augustine Rd, Ste 123
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 900-3606
Daily 10am-10pm

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Kava & Company Jax Beach

223 9th Ave S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 595-5150
Sun-Wed 9am-12am · Thu-Sat 9am-2am

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This article is for general education only and isn't medical or legal advice. Statements about kava, kratom and kanna have not been evaluated by the FDA, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Kava & Company serves kava to guests 18+. Florida law requires buyers of kratom to be 21+.