
What’s the Difference Between Kratom and 7-OH
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Here is the thing about botanicals – as a first-timer, this world feels like learning a foreign language, particularly when you encounter terms like “kratom” and “7-OH.” Now, if you are going to choose between these two options for your wellness routine, you cannot afford to mistake one for the other. So, what’s the difference between kratom and 7-OH?
At Bulk Seven, we prefer to give you clear information about these herbal compounds so that you can understand everything separating the two and make informed decisions. Settle down and get ready to check out the peculiarities of the two terms.
Understanding Kratom
Kratom is not just a plant but a preparation made of its leaves. In botanical terms, it always refers to the Mitragyna speciosa tree. It naturally grows in the wetland forests of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and a few other countries of Southeast Asia.
When you run into kratom products online or in-store, know that they are almost always the dried leaves of the tree. These products are available in several forms.
- Powder
- Crushed leaves (curated for tea)
- Capsules filled with kratom powder
- Extracts (concentrated version of kratom)
Kratom leaves are full-to-the-brim with natural compounds, including alkaloids. Two of these alkaloids that you will hear of most frequently are Mitragyna and 7-hydroxymitragynine. The latter is sold and marketed as 7-OH.
Kratom leaves harbor an entire team of alkaloids. The exact mix may include more or fewer compounds at higher or lower concentrations depending on where the tree grows, its age, and how the leaves are harvested and dried.
What Separates 7-OH from Kratom

Now, we will tell you about 7-OH. This alkaloid is present in microscopic amounts within kratom leaves along with other alkaloids. When you buy 7-OH tablets online, you notice the term “7-OH” printed on the product packaging. Every product with 7-OH contains this substance, but it is added only after isolating and concentrating it. Sometimes, this is done in a laboratory and added to kratom powder or even sold on its own. This is quite different from using the whole kratom leaf, which has a broader mix of natural compounds.
The main difference between kratom and 7-OH comes down to what you get.
- When you choose kratom, you get the whole leaf of the Mitragyna speciosa tree or products made directly from it, such as powders. It gives you the full spectrum of alkaloids as they exist in nature, with mitragynine being the most plentiful. 7-OH, on the other hand, is present in naturally low amounts. It is the plant in its more complete, traditional form.
- When you choose 7-OH, you receive 7-hydroxymitragynine that has been extracted and concentrated, or possibly created synthetically, to compensate for the larger part of the substance that you cannot find in raw kratom leaves.
7-OH does come from kratom, but it is something else entirely. You will realize that when you compare the effects.
Potency and Expectations
Studies conducted on 7-hydroxymitragynine found that it is much stronger than mitragynine, which is the main alkaloid in kratom. This means you need a small quantity of 7-OH to notice its effects. On the other hand, if you choose kratom, the effects will be much more subtle and suppressed.
You should buy 7-OH tablets online if you want more pronounced effects. Properties of conventional kratom are much more varied and balanced, probably due to the way multiple alkaloids and other compounds work as a team in the whole leaf. 7-OH products can give you a more direct experience with more intense effects, as it is the most potent alkaloid.
Which One is Better?
Have you ever used kratom or 7-OH? If not, we recommend starting with a natural, more balanced product. Capsules, powders, and teas are safe for most beginners.
On the other end of the spectrum is 7-OH, which is perfect for experienced users of herbal wellness products who are also curious about the specific effects of 7-OH. If you are considering 7-OH products, do so with a clear understanding that their impact may be far-reaching and your session may last much longer. Research the substance deeply. Also, when you take 7-OH, try to gauge how your body reacts because this response tends to differ from one person to another.
Explorable Options
You will benefit from knowing what you will find in online and offline stores when deciding between kratom and 7-OH.
1. Kratom Leaf-Based Products: This group of products usually refers to ground Mitragyna speciosa leaves, often named by their strain and vein color, which could be Green Maeng Da, Red Bali, White Thai, etc.
2. Kratom Extracts: These are more concentrated. Brands extract alkaloids from large batches of leaf material. A kratom extract product can vary in strength and may not specify its 7-OH content. Some brands provide a full-spectrum concentration, whereas others may be more selective.
3. 7-OH Extracts or Isolates: These two product variants are specifically created to contain a higher percentage of 7-hydroxymitragynine. This is what we do at Bulk Seven. Our products are undeniably the strongest options and require careful consumption decisions.
The differences between these products arise not just from potency but also from the way they are regulated.
Legality of Kratom and 7-OH
The federal government of the United States has yet to officially classify kratom or any of its major compounds, such as 7-OH, as a controlled substance. However, the FDA states it is best to refrain from using them for medical reasons. At the moment, this herb is considered a new ingredient that is worth researching before approving it as a dietary supplement or food.
That said, many states have completely banned the sale or possession of kratom. The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) has been created to impose rules on how this herb and associated products must be labeled and how pure they must be. A few territories might even limit the quantity of 7-OH that can be used in making a product.
Wrapping Up
What’s the difference between kratom and 7-OH? We have already gone over the details, but still, here is a condensed version for you. Kratom is the common name of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which contains various alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. 7-OH, on the other hand, is unadulterated 7-hydroxymitragynine. It is much more potent than kratom with its cocktail of alkaloids.
Choosing between the two is an individual process. Kratom gives you a wide range of effects that are much easier to tolerate and predict. 7-OH is stronger and is safe for experienced herbal wellness enthusiasts. To figure out what is right for you, you must understand what to expect from both, as well as the changing rules about them.
FAQs
Q1. Can you mix kratom and 7-OH in one session?
Mixing kratom and 7-OH isn’t recommended unless you’re highly experienced. Combining the two may lead to unpredictable effects due to their varying potency and different alkaloid profiles.
Q2. Does 7-OH show up differently than kratom in a drug test?
A2. Most standard drug tests don’t detect kratom or 7-OH, but specialized tests may identify alkaloids like mitragynine or 7-OH. Always consult experts if drug screening is a concern.
Q3. How long do the effects of 7-OH typically last?
7-OH effects may last 4 to 6 hours, depending on dose and personal tolerance. These effects are typically more intense and longer-lasting than those from standard kratom products.
Q4. Is 7-OH suitable for managing daily stress like kratom?
A4. 7-OH may be too strong for daily stress management. Kratom, with its broader alkaloid blend, is often preferred for more subtle and manageable effects throughout the day.
Q5. What are the most common side effects of 7-OH?
A5. Common side effects of 7-OH include nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness - especially if overused. It’s much more concentrated than kratom, so starting with a low dose is crucial.