PIKE COUNTY BANS 7-OH
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
At the February 23 meeting of the Pike County Board, board members unanimously passed an ordinance banning the possession and sale of kratom, phenibut, and 7-hydroxymitragynine – also known as 7-OH.
The substances, which are used recreationally, are not federally controlled substances like other common street drugs, and the three substances are commonly sold at gas stations and “vape shops” throughout the country. The substances are available in many forms – including capsules, gummies, and drinks.
Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia, which naturally contains opioids. 7-hydroxymitragynine – also known as 7-OH – is one of the isolated opioids produced by the kratom tree.
While not an opioid, phenibut, according to the National Institutes of Health, affects the brain’s GABA receptors – creating a sense of calmness and sedation. The substance was developed in Russia to treat anxiety and stress among the country’s military personnel.
Chuck Reed, founder of Pike County substance abuse support group Chain Breakers, hopes that the ordinance to ban the kratom, 7-OH, and phenibut will help slow the spread of the opioid and other addictions. Reed spoke in support of the ordinance at the February Pike County Board meeting.
“It’s basically a synthetic opioid,” Reed said of kratom and the other substances banned by the county ordinance. “We have enough problems with substance abuse in the county.”
Reed said that the availability of kratom, 7-OH, and phenibut could lead new users unwittingly into a life of addiction.
“We don’t need stuff that is making more addicts – potentially on a daily basis,” Reed said. “Nobody explains to these people what it does to them. It’s terrible. It’s really, really bad.”
“If it takes root, it can be really, really bad. That’s something we don’t need.”
Reed also said that other local units of government were taking action to ban kratom, 7-OH, and phenibut.
“There’s a lot of counties in the state that are banning it as well,” Reed said.
Individuals and businesses that violate the new ordinance banning the sale and possession of the three substances in Pike County will face financial penalties. Under the ordinance, businesses found to be in violation of the ordinance can be fined up to $650 per occurrence. Individuals in violation of the ordinance can pay a fine, participate in substance abuse cessation treatment, or perform community service.
