Florida cracks down on deadly 7-OH drug after 587 overdose deaths

A dangerous opioid-like chemical has been tied to hundreds of overdose deaths in Florida. Known as 7-OH, the substance has prompted urgent action from authorities to curb its spread. The drug is now classified as a Schedule I substance under emergency rules. Since 2013, 7-OH has been linked to at least 587 overdose deaths across Florida. The chemical acts on opioid receptors, leading to respiratory depression, addiction, and severe withdrawal symptoms. Its presence in products sold at gas stations and vape shops has raised alarms.

Brands such as Hydroxy, 7Tabz, and 7OHMZ have sold concentrated versions of the drug. In response, Florida introduced an emergency rule to limit 7-OH content to 1 milligram per gram or millilitre in products. Since the rule took effect, over 23,000 illegal packages have been seized from retailers.

The FDA has warned consumers to avoid 7-OH products entirely. The agency has not approved them for any medical use and has issued warning letters to companies distributing them illegally. The emergency classification now allows felony-level arrests and the shutdown of illegal sellers. The crackdown aims to reduce exposure and overdose cases, which have been rising in recent years. The classification as a Schedule I substance strengthens legal measures against its sale. Authorities continue to monitor and remove illegal products from circulation.