SANTEE — An investigation by East County Magazine has found kratom and synthetic kratom products for sale at retail shops across East County — including in Santee — despite a statewide California ban on selling the substance for consumption.
The California Department of Public Health banned kratom sales due to the risk of addiction, serious harm, overdose, and death. Kratom is derived from a Southeast Asian plant with opioid-like properties; synthetic versions, known as 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have proven even more dangerous. In October 2025, the CDPH warned consumers not to consume any kratom products after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported six fatal overdoses linked to 7-OH in the prior six months. San Diego County's Medical Examiner has reported 17 deaths since 2023 related to mitragynine, the alkaloid found in kratom, though most involved multiple substances.
Among local retailers, East County Magazine specifically called out Bumblebee Botanicals in Santee, which not only advertises kratom products on its website but states: "Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is legal to purchase and possess in Santee and all of its surrounding cities." That claim is false. California's statewide ban on kratom sales overrides any local ordinance or lack thereof.
Other East County shops advertising kratom and 7-OH products include Cloud Chasers Smoke, Vape and Kratom shop in La Mesa, which displays a large window sign; Tree of Life Botanicals in La Mesa; and the Lemon Grove Smoke Shop, which promotes hydroxymitragynine products on its Instagram page. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated kratom is not lawfully marketed as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive, and in December began seizing 7-OH products from retailers. California's Alcoholic Beverage Control Board also sent warning letters to licensees in December, threatening license revocation for shops that continue to stock the products.
State authorities reported confiscating more than $5 million worth of kratom products in 2026. Residents who believe a local retailer is selling illegal kratom products can report it to the California Department of Public Health or the ABC.
Source: East County Magazine