Bilirakis, Lee, and Buchanan Bill to Crack Down on Dangerous Drug Reviewed During Legislative Hearing
Washington, D.C. - Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) have introduced critical public safety legislation to address the growing threat posed by concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The END 7-OH Act would place concentrated synthetic 7-OH under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This potent compound is commonly found in products sold in convenience stores, smoke shops, and online—often without adequate oversight, regulation, or consumer warnings. Use of concentrated synthetic 7-OH can produce opioid-like effects and poses serious risks, including addiction, overdose, and death. Across the country, reports of emergency room visits, severe adverse reactions, and fatalities have raised significant concerns among healthcare professionals, families, and law enforcement. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that products containing concentrated synthetic 7-OH are novel, highly potent opioid-like substances that have not been proven safe or effective for any use and should be avoided. Despite these warnings, the substance remains widely available and is frequently marketed in ways that may appeal to young people and other vulnerable populations. Congressman Bilirakis and his colleagues have long championed efforts to combat the spread of dangerous substances and protect public health. The introduction and advancement of the END 7-OH Act represent a critical step forward in addressing this emerging threat and ensuring that federal law keeps pace with evolving drug trends. The legislation was among several proposals examined during today’s Health Subcommittee legislative hearing.
“Protecting the health and safety of our communities, especially our children, must remain a top priority,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “When a substance is linked to hospitalization and even death, Congress has a responsibility to act. Scheduling 7-OH is a necessary step to ensure oversight, prevent abuse, and safeguard the public from dangerous and unregulated products.”
“Protecting our children and keeping dangerous substances out of our communities must always come first,” said Congressman Buchanan. “We cannot allow unregulated substances with opioid-like effects, such as synthetic 7-OH, to be marketed and sold in ways that endanger our children. Florida has led the way in addressing emerging drug threats, but we need a clear, nationwide standard to prevent bad actors from exploiting gaps in the law. The END 7-OH Act will help us get ahead of this growing crisis and ensure families across the country are protected.”
“Unregulated kratom products are being sold without basic safeguards, despite containing compounds that act like powerful opioids,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee.“Concentrated synthetic 7-OH is a highly potent substance with opioid-like effects that is often marketed directly to young people and vulnerable individuals. The END 7-OH Act establishes clear federal standards and strong enforcement tools to address this growing threat. This legislation keeps dangerous products off our streets and gives law enforcement clear authority to stop these substances from reaching our communities.”
Schedule I substances are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. While some states, including Florida, have taken steps to regulate 7-OH, others have pursued varying approaches - resulting in a patchwork of conflicting definitions, thresholds, and enforcement standards. This inconsistency can create confusion for retailers, complicate enforcement efforts, and lead to unintended consequences. Additionally, some state-level efforts have faced constitutional challenges, further underscoring the need for clear, consistent federal standards that can withstand legal scrutiny while effectively protecting public health and safety. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis M. Lemmatestified in support of the bill during today’s Subcommittee hearing and local law enforcement lauded introduction of this public safety measure.
“I appreciate Congressman Bilirakis’ leadership in addressing 7-OH in our communities. The lack of regulation of this compound leads to people consuming these items with the inherent risk of overdosing due to the inconsistency of 7-OH dosing. This legislation will protect our communities and remove this potent compound,” said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.
“We see what happens when dangerous products are sold with little oversight: families get hurt and local enforcement gets tied up in conflicting rules. A clear and consistent federal standard for concentrated synthetic 7-OH will help law enforcement nationwide act faster, keep retailers on the right side of the law, and better protect communities across the country,”added Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis.