Officials with the California Poison Control System (CPCS) are warning consumers about increasingly potent synthetic kratom products, including compounds found in products marketed as kava and cat’s claw, that have been linked to overdoses, addiction, and a recent death under investigation.
At this time, the products identified are from the Buzzers and Homiez brands, but there may be others. In Utah there are ongoing investigations regarding a recent death and several severe health incidents associated with Buzzers Cat’s Claw tablets, which were found to contain illegal kratom alkaloids.
Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia whose leaves have been used by locals for centuries for their mild stimulant effects. However, more kratom derivatives have emerged that are far more potent than botanical kratom—and, more dangerous and addictive—including synthetic 7-OH and its lab-modified compounds MGM-15 and MGM-16. The concentrated 7-OH is a significantly different composition from regular kratom and 10 times more potent than morphine.
Increasingly, products marketed as kratom contain concentrated 7-OH or other laboratory-modified compounds instead of traditional whole-leaf kratom. Sold as gummies, tablets, liquid extracts and powders, these products are often labeled as “botanical extracts” or “mood boosters,” making it difficult for consumers to distinguish them from natural kratom.
“Because these products are sold online and in retail stores, many people assume they’re safe,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “But natural does not mean harmless. Neither kratom nor its derivatives are approved by the FDA, and synthetic compounds like 7-OH carry a much greater risk of addiction, overdose, and other serious health consequences.”
Recently, lab testing found that certain products marketed as kava, an herbal remedy said to promote sleep and relaxation, and cat’s claw, a dietary supplement commonly used for wellness, were adulterated with kratom alkaloids, including 7-OH, MGM-15, and MGM-16. Yet these substances are not listed on the product labels. In some cases, the labels even claim the products contain no kratom or 7-OH. These misleading labels can lead to life-threatening opioid overdose, dependence, or withdrawal.
“In California, harmful kratom-related incidents are affecting every segment of the population, from infants to seniors,” advised Dr. Vohra. “In fact, calls to CPCS about kratom have mirrored national trends, rising from 2 in 2015 to 233 in 2025, and we’ve already exceeded that number as of July 2026.”
Calls to CPCS about withdrawal symptoms have also increased significantly. Kratom withdrawal can cause both physical and psychological symptoms and mirror opioid withdrawal. Symptoms typically begin 12–24 hours after the last use of kratom and can persist for weeks.
Although many people think plant-based kratom is a safe way to self-treat their pain, it would be safer and better to talk to a doctor. They can help by providing a way to treat the pain with less danger or risk of addiction.
Physical withdrawal symptoms commonly include:
Muscle aches and spasms;
Gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting;
Sweating and fever.
Psychological withdrawal symptoms can include:
Anxiety and irritability;
Craving for kratom;
Insomnia.
Withdrawal treatment:
Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse opioid-type toxicity;
Buprenorphine has shown promise for managing withdrawal and kratom use disorder in clinical settings.
Kratom overdoses can be a life-threatening emergency so call 911 or go to an emergency department for immediate medical attention. If you or someone you know has any questions about kratom, 7-OH, or any substance exposure, call the California Poison Control System’s free, confidential hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Trained pharmacists, nurses and other providers are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and interpreters are available. Follow CPCS on Facebook, on YouTube @californiapoisoncontrol, and on X @poisoninfo. Sign up for The California Poison Safety Post, California Poison Control System’s quarterly electronic newsletter, by visiting calpoison.org/newsletters. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.
