DEA moves to ban ‘gas station heroin’ sold openly in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Drug Enforcement Administration has filed a notice of intent to ban 7-OH and two related synthetic compounds, MGM-15 and MGM-16, saying the substances have no medical purpose and are dangerous.

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If the temporary ban takes effect, selling the products would become a federal crime.

Currently, the products are sold over the counter in Hawaii with no age restrictions.

What would be banned

The DEA’s notice, filed this month, would classify 7-OH, MGM-15, and MGM-16 as Schedule I controlled substances — the same category as heroin and LSD.

The synthetic compounds are found in gummies, drinks, tablets, and pills often in colorful packaging targeting teens and young adults.

Gary Yabuta, director of Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program said the DEA’s position is clear.

“They’re saying that this drug has no medicinal value and it should be prohibited point blank across the board,” Yabuta said.

Health and safety concerns

Dr. Christina Wang, medical director of the Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC) said the substances carry a high risk of addiction.

“It is an opioid-like substance that sits on the opioid receptor in the brain — and quickly people become very addicted,” Wang said.

HHHRC helps treat people with addiction.

Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director James Ireland said EMS has responded to overdose calls involving 7-OH. Ireland said the increase has been notable.

“Prior to maybe this year or last year, there were zero, and so just even having a few has caught our attention,” Ireland said.

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Yabuta said the potency of the MGM compounds makes them especially dangerous.

“MGM-15 and 16, you’re talking about a drug that is 240 times stronger than morphine. So you’re talking about something that’s in the fentanyl category. People are dying from this,” Yabuta said.

Honolulu has recorded deaths where MGM was found in the patient’s system during an autopsy.

Some states have exacted age restrictions to purchase the products, but not Hawaii.

Local enforcement

Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar said his department would also enforce any federal ban.

“If it becomes illegal, we have to act on it,” Lazar said his officers would make sure the products are not being sold, “in the open at the smoke shops and at the convenience stores” as they are now.

Kratom not affected

The proposed ban would not affect kratom products. Experts note that while 7-OH and the MGM compounds are related to kratom — a Southeast Asian plant sometimes used for pain relief or as a stimulant — the synthetic versions are significantly more potent and addictive.

Treatment available

Narcan can be used in the event of an overdose because 7-OH and MGM-15, MGM-16 are an opioid.

Wang said HHHRC uses Buprenorphine to treat the addiction.

“That’s been effective at helping people get off these substances very safely. So it’s really important to find a provider that’s experienced with using buprenorphine,” Wang said.

The notice of intent is expected to become a temporary ban next month. The federal government is taking public testimony on the notice.

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