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San Francisco Health Officials Warn of Kratom-Derived Opioid After Fatal Overdose

The medical examiner found MGM-15 in the victim and in product packaging, and police seized hundreds of kratom items from local smoke shops.

  • On Wednesday, the San Francisco Department of Public Health issued a warning about the city's first fatal overdose involving MGM-15, a potent semi-synthetic opioid derived from kratom that lacks medical approval.
  • The decedent consumed tablets branded "Script Botanicals x Maui Labs" that failed to list kratom or the Schedule I substance on packaging, according to SFDPH.
  • Animal tests indicate MGM-15 is about 50 times more potent than morphine; health officials confirmed the drug has been linked to prior overdose deaths in Utah and Washington.
  • The San Francisco Police Department seized over 400 kratom products from local smoke shops during recent searches, though authorities have not linked the confiscated items to this death.
  • Forensic researcher Dr. Alex Krotulski warned that products often mask synthetic additives behind "proprietary blend" labels, while health officials recommend administering naloxone and calling 911 immediately if overdose is suspected.
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The San Francisco Standard broke the news in San Francisco, United States on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
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