GOV. REYNOLDS, STATE OFFICIALS WARN PUBLIC ABOUT RISING DANGERS OF KRATOM AND SYNTHETIC 7-OH PRODUCTS

DES MOINES, Sept. 1 -- The Office of the Governor issued the following news release:

Governor Kim Reynolds, IowaDepartment ofHealth and Human Services (HHS), and the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) are warning Iowans about the increasing dangers posed by kratom and newly emerging, highly concentrated synthetickratom‑relatedproducts.

Although kratom is often marketed as a natural or herbal supplement for pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal, officials stressed thatavailability does not equal safety.

"Kratom is not a supplement, it is not a medicine, and it is not safe," Governor Reynolds said. "These products are widely accessible, often sitting on shelves in gas stations and convenience stores, and many Iowans may not realize...