It started with an uncomfortable laugh.

At a smoke shop tucked near Circle and Platte—location withheld for discretion—my wife and fellow reporter struck up a conversation with the woman working the counter while I photographed a curious product called Hydroxie. The clerk, candid and quick-witted, shared a story that felt quintessentially Colorado Springs. A customer, clearly under the influence, had once grabbed a glass bong off the shelf and proceeded to insert it deep into her mouth in a bizarre, suggestive gesture. The clerk, unfazed, informed her that the bong was now hers—and rang it up.

The surreal comedy of the moment stood in stark contrast to the product we were investigating: Hydroxie, a chewable tablet containing 7-Hydroxymitragynine, a compound far more potent than it looks.

What Is 7-Hydroxymitragynine?

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a naturally occurring metabolite of mitragynine, the primary active compound in kratom. It can also be synthesized for concentrated formulations. While kratom itself has long been debated for its stimulant and opioid-like effects, 7-OH is significantly more potent—estimated to be 13 times stronger than morphine in animal studies. It binds to the same mu-opioid receptors as prescription painkillers, raising concerns about its abuse potential and dependency risks.

Hydroxie’s Local Availability

Products like Hydroxie are now widely available in Colorado Springs smoke shops, including retailers such as Mystic Smoke Shop and All Stop Smoke Shop, where they’ve recently appeared on shelves. Prices range from $19.99 to $59.99 per box, depending on dosage and formulation. The packaging often includes QR codes, vague usage instructions, and warnings to “consume responsibly,” but lacks clear regulatory oversight or FDA approval.

Public Health Concerns

Despite being sold over the counter, Hydroxie is not a benign supplement. Toxicologists and addiction specialists caution that its potency, rapid onset, and opioid-like effects make it ripe for misuse, especially among younger consumers or those seeking legal highs. Unlike kratom, which is typically brewed or encapsulated in lower doses, Hydroxie delivers concentrated 7-OH in chewable form—bypassing traditional safeguards and increasing the risk of accidental overdose.

Regulatory Gray Area

Currently, 7-OH is not scheduled under federal law, though the DEA has listed kratom and its derivatives as “drugs of concern.” The FDA has issued warnings about kratom products for contamination and unproven health claims, but no formal ban exists. Colorado has no statewide prohibition, leaving regulation to local jurisdictions. This legal ambiguity allows products like Hydroxie to flourish in retail environments that typically cater to recreational consumers.

Community Impact

Local health advocates are urging city officials to investigate the sale of 7-OH products and consider stricter labeling requirements or outright bans. Meanwhile, some smoke shop owners argue that Hydroxie fills a niche for pain relief and stress management, especially among customers wary of prescription opioids.