Kratom in Fresno (2025): A Clinician’s Guide to Risks, Local Laws, and Getting Help

Dr. Virk
Oct 24
4 min read

Updated: Oct 29

By Dr. Harman Virk, DO — Board‑Certified Internal Medicine, The Modern Medicine Group (Fresno, CA)

Quick take

Kratom acts on opioid receptors. Its main alkaloids (mitragynine, 7‑hydroxymitragynine) bind µ‑opioid receptors—the same system targeted by prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl. Dependence and withdrawal are real risks.
A potent kratom derivative, “7‑OH,” is spreading in convenience and smoke shops. The FDA recommended scheduling 7‑OH as a Schedule I controlled substance this summer; local TV reporting found 7‑OH gummies and even “ice cream” in Valley shops.
Fresno’s new smoke‑shop rules are changing access. The City capped shops to 49 citywide (7 per council district); a judge allowed enforcement to proceed last month. Expect retail churn and product reshuffling.
California overdose picture remains serious. Nearly 8,000 Californians died of opioid‑related overdoses in 2023. Carrying naloxone and knowing the signs of overdose saves lives.
Where to get help in Fresno: New Life Recovery offers medical detox, residential, and outpatient care steps from downtown. (207 N Broadway St; 559‑374‑0500).

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What kratom is—and why “gas‑station heroin” isn’t far off

Kratom (from Mitragyna speciosa) is sold as powders, capsules, extracts, and now trendy edibles. At low doses it can feel “stimulating”; at higher doses it behaves more like an opioid. Clinically, I see patients escalate their dose, then struggle with cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal—the same pattern I see with other opioids. The FDA has warned about liver injury, seizures, and addiction risk; there are no FDA‑approved kratom drug products.

Two points to understand:

Receptors matter. Mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) bind the µ‑opioid receptor that’s the pharmacologic basis for pain relief and dependence.
Products aren’t equal. Traditional leaf/tea has a different profile than concentrated extracts. 7‑OH products—found in gummies, vapes, shots—can behave like a pure opioid, which is why federal regulators moved to restrict them.

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What’s changing right now in Fresno

7‑OH in local shops. ABC30 reported that 7‑OH is “currently being sold legally” in items like gummies and ice cream “across the Valley.” Paired with the summer FDA action, expect rapid shifts in availability and enforcement.
Fresno’s smoke‑shop ordinance. After years of debate, the City set a hard cap of 49 smoke/vape shops. Coverage from ABC30 and FOX26 shows that many stores will close or reapply under new permits; enforcement is active as of June 5, 2025. A judge let the City enforce the ordinance in September.
Statewide context. The California Legislature has explored kratom regulation (labeling, age limits, testing). Meanwhile, some cities (e.g., San Diego since 2016; Newport Beach in 2024) ban kratom sales locally. Fresno does not have a kratom‑specific ban as of today, but smoke‑shop rules will affect where these products appear.

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Health risks I discuss with patients

Dependence & withdrawal: Irritability, insomnia, nausea, body aches, anxiety; withdrawal can resemble other opioid withdrawals.
Toxicity reports: Medical literature and FDA communications describe liver injury, seizures, and rare deaths, sometimes with other substances on board.
Potent derivatives (7‑OH): Because 7‑OH is far more opioid‑like, overdoses and EMS encounters are rising nationwide, including in Western states.

Bottom line as a Fresno internist: If it binds opioid receptors, treat it like an opioid—with the same caution about escalating use, mixing with sedatives (alcohol, benzos), and overdose risk.

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If you or a family member is using kratom (or 7‑OH)

Don’t mix with other sedatives (alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleep meds). This stacks respiratory‑depression risk.
Carry naloxone. It reverses opioid overdose; Fresno County lists local pick‑up sites, including Community Regional Medical Center and the County DPH.
Know overdose signs: Pinpoint pupils, slow or stopped breathing, gurgling/snoring, blue lips/nails, unresponsiveness. Call 911 and use naloxone.
Get a clinical assessment. Because kratom interacts with opioid pathways—and sometimes with SSRIs or other meds—get a plan with a clinician experienced in addiction medicine.

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Where to get help in Fresno (evidence‑based, local)

New Life Recovery (Downtown Fresno) — Medical detox, residential, outpatient, aftercare on one campus. 207 N Broadway St, Fresno, CA 93701; (559) 374‑0500. If you’re ready to take the next step, start with a same‑day assessment. Addiction treatment in Fresno at New Life Recovery.
Fresno County resources — Locations for free naloxone, overdose education, and disposal drop boxes.
24/7 national help — SAMHSA National Helpline 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) (English/Spanish) for treatment referrals.

Medical disclaimer: This article is informational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice or emergency care.

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FAQ (for Fresno readers)

Is kratom legal in Fresno right now?

There’s no Fresno‑specific kratom ban today. However, the City’s smoke‑shop ordinance is reducing the number and location of stores that sell these products, and a local judge allowed enforcement to proceed in September 2025. Keep in mind: San Diego and Newport Beach ban kratom sales locally, and the FDA has recommended scheduling 7‑OH nationally.

Is 7‑OH the same as kratom?

No. Kratom leaf contains trace 7‑OH, but commercial 7‑OH products can be concentrated/semi‑synthetic and behave like a potent opioid, which is why the FDA moved to restrict them.

Can kratom help with opioid withdrawal?

Some people self‑medicate with kratom, but this can swap one dependence for another and complicate care—especially if the product contains 7‑OH. Work with a clinician on evidence‑based options (e.g., buprenorphine) and a taper/relapse‑prevention plan.

What’s the safest way to share this with a loved one?

Use non‑judgmental language, carry naloxone, and offer concrete next steps (call New Life Recovery or SAMHSA).