Lester Black, cannabis editor at SFGATE, and Dr. Brian Hurley, an addiction physician, delve into the alarming rise of 7-OH, a potent synthetic derivative of kratom. They discuss its shocking potency—over ten times that of morphine—and the troubling accessibility of this drug in gas stations. Black shares personal stories of rapid addiction, while Hurley highlights the concerning local overdose statistics. Together, they explore public health responses, treatment challenges, and the potential impact of banning this dangerous substance.
