Dangers of Synthetic Drugs

Know the Facts 

Synthetic drugs, also referred to as “new psychoactive substances,” are drugs chemically created in a lab that have properties and effects similar to known hallucinogens (e.g. cannabis, psilocybin) or narcotics (e.g. opioids) but have a slightly altered chemical structure. Slightly altering the chemical structure is often done intentionally to escape regulation or control by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In 2012, the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act was passed, which led to the placement of many of the synthetic compounds being abused for their psychoactive effects into Schedule I. Schedule I drugs are illegal in the United States and considered dangerous, potentially addictive and have no approved medicinal value.  

Despite the passing of the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, synthetic drug abuse is a growing epidemic worldwide since many of the synthetic counterparts are available in various forms as over the counter medications. Synthetic drugs may appeal mostly to young adults and are commonly bought online. Most of these substances are unregulated and often manufactured in illegal labs in other countries that result in untested products with unpredictable side effects. 

General Facts  

• There has been a six-fold increase in the past decade in the number of “new psychoactive substances” with a record high of more than 1,000 unique substances in 2020. 

• In 2021, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched the Synthetic Drug Strategy in response the rapidly growing problem of synthetic drugs worldwide.  

• In 2022, young people between the ages of 12 – 25 were most likely to report use of synthetic marijuana and synthetic cathinones.  

Sources: SAMHSA, 2023; United Nations, 2021 

Emerging Drug Threat – Synthetic Kratom and 7-OH  

Kratom is an unregulated substance made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree. It is sold in powders, teas, capsules, and other forms, often marketed as a “natural” remedy for pain, anxiety, and depression.  

The main psychoactive compound in kratom is 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). At low doses, 7-OH produces stimulant-like effects, and at higher doses, it acts more like an opioid. 7-OH products are now appearing in a variety of forms, including tablets, gummies, drink mixes, and concentrated liquid shots. These formulations significantly increase the potential for harmful and life-threatening effects. 

According to the 2025 National Poison Data System, 40% of all 7-OH-related reports involved individuals intentionally misusing or abusing the drug. 

Key Concerns 

Recently, 7-OH has been synthetically concentrated into potent products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online. These items are often mislabeled as natural kratom, though they are not the same. Because these products are unregulated, they can contain unknown and unsafe concentrations of 7-OH, increasing the risk of overdose. When mixed with alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs, 7-OH can cause severe respiratory depression and death. 

Several recent overdose deaths in Los Angeles County involved otherwise healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 40. Public health officials have described 7-OH as part of the next wave of the opioid epidemic due to the fact that 7-OH can produce respiratory depression, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms similar to those associated with opioids such as fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine. 

Local Impact 

• In September 2025, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified three fatal overdoses among residents aged 18–40. Alcohol was present in all cases. 

•  In October 2025, three additional 7-OH-related deaths were reported, many of which also involved alcohol, medications, or illicit substances. 

Risk Reduction Strategies 

The safest option is to avoid kratom and 7-OH products altogether. For individuals who use, the following harm reduction steps are recommended: 

• Never use alone. Always have someone nearby who can respond in an emergency. 

• Carry naloxone. This medication can reverse an overdose and restore breathing. 

• Avoid mixing substances. Combining 7-OH with alcohol, medications, or other drugs increases the risk of overdose. 

• Ensure one person stays alert. Staggering use so at least one person can administer naloxone can save lives. 

Naloxone is available for free at allcove Beach Cities (514 N. Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach, CA, 90277) for community members of all ages.  

Public Health and Regulatory Response 

In July 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to companies illegally marketing concentrated 7-OH products. The FDA clarified that 7-OH is not lawful in dietary supplements or foods and has no approved medical use. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) released its first new release on this threat in September and again in October, urging retailers to immediately stop selling 7-OH products. Community members can report illegal sales by calling Public Health Environmental Health at (888) 700-9995. 

Sources: Federal Drug Administration, 2025 

Common Types of Synthetic Drugs 

Synthetic Cannabinoids 

• Also known as “Spice” or “K2,” these substances are designed to mimic the effects of cannabis 

• An active ingredient in synthetic cannabinoids is potentially more than 100 times more potent than plant-based marijuana  

Synthetic Cathinones  

• Also referred to as “bath salts,” these substances are designed to mimic the effects of stimulant drugs like amphetamines or cocaine 

• Snorting bath salts is compared to snorting 10 lines of cocaine with just one dose  

Synthetic Hallucinogens  

• Common names for popular synthetic hallucinogens include “Smiles,” “DMT,” “Foxy” and “Blue Mystic” 

• These substances are designed to mimic the effects of hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD (acid) or psilocybin mushrooms 

Other Synthetic Drugs  

• There are various other synthetic drugs on the market, such as synthetic opioids including Fentanyl, 7-OH and other stimulants like “Molly” 

• 7-OH is increasingly being synthetically concentrated into potent products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online and are often mislabeled as natural kratom, though they are not the same.  

• “Molly” is supposedly a pure version of ecstasy that is often laced with other chemicals  

For more information on fentanyl, visit bchd.org/fentanyl.                                       

The Dangers of Synthetic Drugs 

Repeated use of synthetic drugs may cause long term or irreversible damage to pathways in the brain, including those that lead to addiction. When abused, these drugs make chemical changes in the brain relating to mood, decision-making, impulse control and pleasure. Effects of synthetic drugs have not been well studied in humans, resulting in unknown and unpredictable outcomes. The risk for overdose on a synthetic drug is high as the chemicals used in their creation may be unknown and may have lethal interactions in a person’s body and brain.  

Common Side Effects 

• Hallucinations  

• Paranoia  

• Psychosis  

• Anxiety and delirium  

• Tremors  

• Seizures and convulsions  

• Temporary paralysis  

• Increased agitation and aggression  

• Difficulty breathing  

• Kidney failure  

• Death  

• Decreased inhibitions  

• Increased heart rate, blood pressure and heart attack  

• Increased body temperature and excessive sweating  

• Suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors  

Signs of Substance Use Disorder 

• Emotional withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritability and restlessness  

• Physical withdrawal symptoms that may include flu-like symptoms and drug cravings  

• Difficulty maintaining relationships and managing responsibilities or duties  

• Irregular sleep patterns and eating habits  

• Significant changes in weight and disregard for personal hygiene  

Sources: American Addiction Centers, 2023; Colusa County Office of Education, 2023; National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2024 

Resources  

• Visit www.bchd.org/resources for health-related information and referrals or call BCHD’s Information and Referral line at (310) 374-3426 and press option 1  

• allcove Beach Cities: Visit www.allcove.org/beach-cities or call (310) 374-5706, Monday – Friday: 1 – 7 p.m.  

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: The Substance Abuse Prevention and Control program leads and facilitates the delivery of a full spectrum of prevention, treatment and recovery support services proven to reduce the impact of substance use, abuse and addiction in Los Angeles County. 

• Drug Enforcement Administration: DEA Warning About Synthetic Drugs and online reporting tool. 

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Promoting and implementing prevention and early intervention strategies to reduce the impact of mental and substance use disorders in America’s communities. 

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