FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that he trying to classify Kratom, known as "gas station heroine," as a Schedule I narcotic.

This reclassification would make it illegal to sell, possess or distribute any forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) in the Commonwealth.

“We have marked three straight years of declines in overdose deaths in Kentucky, and that is progress we’re committed to building on as we work to protect more lives in the fight against addiction,” said Gov. Beshear. “Deadly and addictive drugs like 7-OH have no place in our communities, and this step will help us get these drugs off the streets and provide us more tools to keep Kentuckians safe.”

7-OH is a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant, which is increasingly recognized as having the

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