County Warns Residents to Avoid Kratom and 7-OH Products

Health and Sheriff Departments cite serious health risks including addiction, overdose, and death

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The County of Santa Barbara Health Department and Sheriff's Office are advising residents to avoid foods, dietary supplements, beverages, or medicinal products containing Kratom or 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) due to serious health risks. In 2025, the county reported two fatal overdoses linked to Kratom, highlighting the growing danger posed by these products.

Why it matters

Kratom and 7-OH products are illegal to sell or manufacture in California, yet continue to be found in various retail locations, often marketed as 'natural' remedies. The county is taking action to warn residents about the severe health risks associated with these substances, including addiction, overdose, and death.

The details

Reported side effects of Kratom and 7-OH include addiction and withdrawal symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, seizures, respiratory depression, overdose and death. The county has confirmed two deaths in 2025 where Kratom was a contributing factor. Residents are advised to avoid purchasing or consuming any products containing Kratom or 7-OH, which may appear as beverages, powders, shots, capsules, tablets, or gummies.

  • In 2025, Santa Barbara County reported two fatal overdoses linked to Kratom.

The players

Henning Ansorg, MD

County Health Officer for Santa Barbara County.

Sheriff Bill Brown

Sheriff of Santa Barbara County.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Kratom and 7-OH products pose a serious risk to public health. These substances are sometimes marketed as wellness products, but they can cause severe harm, including fatal overdoses. The safest option is to avoid using them altogether.”

— Henning Ansorg, MD, County Health Officer (independent.com)

“The county of Santa Barbara has confirmed two deaths in 2025 where the substance Kratom was a contributing factor. It is unknown how much of this substance was used by either individual. Kratom and 7-Hyrdroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, are potent opioid products derived from the kratom plant. While these products are sometimes marketed as natural remedies, they are dangerous and can result in fatal overdoses.”

— Sheriff Bill Brown, Sheriff (independent.com)

What’s next

Residents are advised to report the unlawful sale of Kratom and 7-OH products to the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232 or submit an electronic report to the CDPH Food and Drug Branch.

The takeaway

This warning highlights the growing public health threat posed by Kratom and 7-OH products, which are being marketed as natural remedies despite their serious health risks, including addiction, overdose, and death. The county is taking action to protect residents by advising them to avoid these dangerous substances altogether.