Gas Station 'Wellness' Products Linked to Addiction Risks

FDA warns concentrated kratom derivatives like 7-OH pose serious health dangers

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Brightly packaged pills and gummies marketed as 'natural' supplements and sold legally in gas stations and convenience stores across the country could contain a dangerous chemical compound called 7-OH, a concentrated byproduct of the plant kratom. The FDA has warned 7-OH products carry a high risk of addiction and abuse, likening them to the 'next wave of the opioid crisis.' One South Carolina man's struggle with 7-OH addiction led to a seizure and hospitalization, highlighting the deceptive marketing and hidden dangers of these unregulated products.

Why it matters

The rise of 7-OH products, often disguised as 'natural' supplements, in easily accessible retail locations like gas stations and convenience stores raises serious public health concerns. These substances are highly addictive and can have devastating consequences, yet they remain largely unregulated, putting consumers at risk of developing dangerous dependencies.

The details

7-OH is a concentrated chemical compound derived from the plant kratom, which at lower doses can act as a stimulant and at higher doses has sedative effects. However, 7-OH is far more potent and addictive than natural kratom, with an opioid-like impact that the FDA warns could fuel the next opioid crisis. Products containing 7-OH are often brightly packaged and marketed as 'natural' supplements for sleep, stress, or focus, making them appear safe and appealing to unsuspecting consumers. One South Carolina man, Brendon Burke, quickly became dependent on 7-OH tablets he purchased at a local wellness shop, experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and a seizure when he tried to quit.

  • In July 2025, the FDA issued warning letters to seven companies it said were illegally marketing 7-OH products.
  • Also in July 2025, the FDA pushed for a ban on 7-OH, calling it 'highly addictive' and 'unregulated.'

The players

Brendon Burke

A South Carolina resident who became addicted to 7-OH tablets he purchased at a local wellness shop, experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and a seizure when he tried to quit.

Jessica Owens

The chief operating officer of the Phoenix Center, an addiction treatment facility in Greenville, South Carolina, which has seen an increase in patients seeking treatment for kratom-related addictions.

Dr. C. Michael White

The chair of pharmacy practice at the University of Connecticut, who warns that the marketing of 7-OH products is deceptive, likening them to 'morphine in sugar-encrusted gummies.'

Todd Underwood

The president and CEO of MitWellness, a company that makes and markets products containing kratom, who agrees with the FDA's call for a ban on 7-OH.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The federal agency that has issued warnings about the dangers of 7-OH products and pushed for a ban on these highly addictive and unregulated substances.

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What they’re saying

“It looks nice. They did a really good job with the marketing on the packaging on it, you know, big old tangerine picture.”

— Brendon Burke

“Just imagine that you have morphine, but you're going to be selling it and you put it in sugar-encrusted gummies. A lot of the products are fruit flavored. Some are mint flavored. A lot of the products are brightly colored. Some products have mascots that are associated with them. And all of those things look like the candy that's to the left and to the right of where they're selling the products in the gas station.”

— Dr. C. Michael White, Chair of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut

“It can really sneak up on you. Just because you can handle this other product, or you can handle this other ingredient, and that you generally did well doesn't mean that when you try an opioid, doesn't mean you are not going to be susceptible to having an opioid-related issue. And if you do, it can literally ruin your life.”

— Dr. C. Michael White, Chair of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut

What’s next

The FDA has pushed for a ban on 7-OH products, calling them 'highly addictive' and 'unregulated.' The agency has also issued warning letters to several companies it says are illegally marketing these substances, giving them 15 working days to respond with plans to correct any violations.

The takeaway

The rise of deceptively marketed, highly addictive 7-OH products in easily accessible retail locations highlights the urgent need for greater regulation and consumer education around the dangers of these uncontrolled substances. This issue underscores the broader public health challenges posed by the proliferation of novel psychoactive compounds that can quickly lead to dependence and serious health consequences.