Florida bans deadly 7-OH chemical after hundreds of overdose deaths

Florida has taken urgent action against the opioid-like chemical 7-OH. The substance has been tied to hundreds of overdose deaths across the state. Authorities have now classified it as a Schedule I drug to curb its spread. The emergency rule restricts 7-OH to a maximum of 1 milligram per gram or millilitre in any product. It also allows police to make felony-level arrests and close down illegal sellers. Since its introduction, over 23,000 illegal packages have been seized from retailers.

The chemical mimics opioids by targeting the same receptors in the body. This can lead to slowed breathing, addiction, and severe withdrawal symptoms. At least 587 overdose deaths in Florida since 2013 have been linked to 7-OH.

Products containing the substance are often sold in gas stations and vape shops under brands like Hydroxy, 7Tabz, and 7OHMZ. The FDA has warned the public to avoid these items and has issued letters to illegal distributors. Doctors in Florida, including emergency medicine physician Dr Cory Howard, report a rise in cases involving 7-OH exposure and overdoses. Melissa Golombek, Executive Vice President of the Florida Health Sciences Center, has also witnessed the harmful effects firsthand. The new classification aims to remove dangerous 7-OH products from circulation. Law enforcement can now prosecute sellers more harshly. The rule seeks to reduce overdoses and prevent further harm to the public.