Hillsborough County considers restrictions on potent kratom compound

Hillsborough County commissioners are taking the first step toward potentially restricting a potent chemical compound found in some products marketed as kratom supplements.Hillsborough County kratom proposalCommissioners unanimously voted to move forward with a proposed ordinance targeting 7-hydroxymitragynine, more commonly known as 7-OH, a compound produced by kratom that is significantly more potent than the natural plant.Florida enacted a statewide emergency ban on 7-OH and similar synthetic products connected to kratom. However, that ban could expire next year, raising concerns about whether the restrictions will remain in place.Kratom itself remains legal in Florida, although it cannot be sold to anyone younger than 21.The proposed Hillsborough County ordinance would not restrict the natural, herbal form of kratom. Commissioners have not ruled out expanding the proposal if it moves forward.Community reaction on kratomSeveral parents who said their loved ones died after using krat