Congressman Vern Buchanan, along with Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Laurel Lee, introduced the END 7-OH Act on Mar. 26 to address concerns about concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a substance with opioid-like effects that is being sold with limited oversight across the United States.
The proposed legislation aims to classify concentrated synthetic 7-OH as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This would recognize it as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Law enforcement officials have warned of increasing risks linked to this compound, including addiction, overdose, and death.
“Protecting our children and keeping dangerous substances out of our communities must always come first,” said 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.” Bilirakis said: “Protecting the health and safety of our communities, especially our children, must remain a top priority. 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.” Lee added: “Unregulated kratom products are being sold without basic safeguards, despite containing compounds that act like powerful opioids… The END 7-OH Act establishes clear federal standards and strong enforcement tools… This legislation keeps dangerous products off our streets and gives law enforcement clear authority to stop these substances from reaching our communities.”
Concentrated synthetic 7-OH is often found in convenience stores or online without proper regulation or consumer warnings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that these products are highly potent opioid-like substances that have not been proven safe or effective for any use.
Some states such as Florida have regulated synthetic 7-OH while others maintain inconsistent approaches—resulting in varying definitions and enforcement standards nationwide.
During a recent House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing where law enforcement officials supported the bill’s review process—Seminole County Sheriff Dennis M. Lemma testified for its passage while Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said: “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.” Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said: “A clear and consistent federal standard for concentrated synthetic 7-OH will help law enforcement nationwide act faster…and better protect communities across the country.”
Buchanan currently serves in Congress representing Florida’s sixteenth district after replacing Katherine Harris in 2007 according to congressional records. He previously served in both Congress since then as reported by Ballotpedia as well as earlier service in Florida’s state legislature.
Born in Detroit in 1951—and now living in Sarasota—Buchanan graduated from Cleary University with his BA before earning another degree at University of Detroit Mercy according to his official biography.
