Missouri court denies AG’s attempt to immediately stop 7-OH drug sales

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jackson County court has denied Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway's attempt to put an immediate halt to sales of an unregulated drug that she says poses a public health risk.

Circuit Judge Charles McKenzie rejected Hanaway's request for a temporary restraining order to halt sales of 7-OH on Friday, writing in his order that there wasn't enough evidence that Hanaway would prevail in the lawsuit to issue the restraining order.

Hanaway filed the lawsuit April 1, and arguments were heard in court last week.

The lawsuit was filed against American Shaman and its affiliated companies under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, claiming that its sales of kratom and 7-OH in gas stations and other stores harm the public.

Kratom is an opioid-like substance extracted from plants. The drug 7-OH is a synthetic, concentrated form of kratom, officials say. Hanaway has described 7-OH as a "hazardous opioid."

Kratom and 7-OH are not currently subject to FDA regulations.