Communications

(Jan. 9, 2025) – The Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area releases quarterly drug bulletins to report changes in drug trends and to educate and warn about newly identified dangerous substances. The Midwest HIDTA Fourth Quarter 2025 Bulletin provides information about "poppers," volatile chemicals known as alkyl nitrites, which are readily available throughout American retail channels. Because of its widespread availability, HIDTA is sharing this information to explain what poppers are and its potential threat to public health and safety. The Food and Drug Administration has documented a rise in deaths and hospitalizations linked to these substances.

Midwest HIDTA's Third Quarter 2025 Bulletin focused on 7-OH Kratom. 7-OH is a kratom-derived opioid compound, 7- hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), readily available throughout American retail channels. In laboratory testing, 7-OH showed a 13-fold higher potency than morphine. When consumed, 7-OH produces physiological effects similar to conventional opioids. The addiction potential of 7-OH is a serious concern. Kansas hospitals have reported increasing cases of 7-OH overdose in emergency departments. In July 2025, the FDA announced it was recommending a scheduling action to control certain 7-OH products under the Controlled Substances Act. In Kansas, 7-OH and Kratom are currently legal. House Bill 2230 was introduced during the 2025 session and seeks to regulate Kratom.
--Karen Braman