On the last day of legislative session, the New York State Assembly unanimously passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-110th AD) and cosponsored by Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh (R-112th AD) and Assemblymember Jake Blumencranz (R-15th AD) to ban synthetic kratom, commonly referred to as 7-OH or as "gas station heroin" because it is often sold in convenience stores and gas stations in packaging resembling candy, energy drinks, or even children’s bubblegum.

Kratom is a plant that grows in Southeast Asia and has traditionally been used for its mild sedative effects. In July 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings regarding the sale and use of products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly referred to as 7-OH, which is synthetically derived to multiply the effects of mitragynine, the active ingredient found in kratom.

While natural kratom products contain mitragynine at levels of 2% or less, chemists have begun using artificial synthesis to create products containing dramatically higher concentrations of the substance. These synthetic products, which are commonly sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops, are laboratory-produced substances that act the same as opioids.

7-OH is approximately 13 times more potent than morphine, making it one of the most powerful opioid-like compounds. Individuals who become addicted to 7-OH products often experience rapidly declining health and withdrawal symptoms comparable to those associated with other opioids. Treatment for withdrawal from these products requires the maximum dose of Suboxone. Like other opioids, 7-OH products can be fatal in overdose situations. Due to lack of regulation and widespread availability, these products have become increasingly common throughout New York State, posing a significant public health risk.

Following the death of Ballston Spa resident Nick Scribner in November 2024 after using kratom products marketed as a natural herbal remedy, his mother, Cari Scribner, became a leading advocate for stronger consumer protections. Last year, Governor Hochul signed into law legislation authored by Assemblymember Steck and Assemblymember Walsh requiring warning labels and ingredient disclosures on kratom products derived from the kratom plant (Chap. 655 of 2025). The legislation passed this year builds on those efforts by targeting the far more potent synthetic kratom products known as 7-OH which is distinguished from those refined from the kratom plant itself.

“This bill is an enormous step in getting synthetic kratom products off the shelves,” said Cari Scribner. “I am personally grateful to Assemblymembers Steck and Walsh for championing this urgent cause.”

“As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that addiction can have on individuals, families, and communities,” said Assemblymember Steck. “The growing popularity of products containing high levels of 7-OH, coupled with the lack of regulation surrounding them, presents a serious threat to public health. Here in the Capital Region, I am already aware of multiple cases of individuals seeking treatment for addiction to these products. This legislation, combined with the kratom labeling law we passed last year, will help protect New Yorkers from dangerous and highly addictive substances. I am grateful to Assemblymembers Walsh and Blumencranz for working with me across party lines to advance this important legislation and keep New Yorkers safe.”

“Before a former neighbor came to me seeking help after the tragic loss of her son, whom I had known since he was a little boy to kratom, I had never heard of the substance,” said Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh. “Since then, I have been struck by how prevalent it is in our communities, advertised outside gas stations, displayed alongside other beverages, and promoted in smoke shop windows. It is simply common sense that a substance with the potential to cause such harm should be subject to meaningful regulation. Since learning of Nick’s passing, I have also become aware of other families in my district who have suffered similar losses linked to kratom. Their stories reinforce the urgent need for action.

I want to thank Assemblyman Steck, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, for partnering with me on these initiatives. Together, we are working to protect more New Yorkers and help prevent other families from experiencing these devastating tragedies.”

"It’s a proud day in Albany when we can work across party lines to save lives – synthetic kratom kills and another summer of this drug on the shelves is another New Yorker addicted, or even dead,” said Assemblymember Blumencranz. “Political parties do not matter when lives are at stake and I am always happy to work across the aisle to get results for New York. Taking this drug off the shelves is something I am unapologetically committed to accomplishing.”

If signed into law by Governor Hochul, New York State will join Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Mississippi, Vermont, and Wisconsin in prohibiting the sale of 7-OH.