The Story of Thebaine and How It Relates to Kratom
Thebaine built Big Pharma’s fortune because the human liver turns it into morphine and codeine—the true engines of the opioid industry. Kratom’s mitragynine pulls the same stunt. Once it hits your liver, your body finishes the chemistry, creating 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)—a potent opioid compound capable of shutting down breathing. Different plants. Same chemistry. Same risk.
Thebaine — From Harmless Plant to Homemade Opioid
Thebaine starts in the poppy plant as a chemical that doesn’t do much on its own. But inside your body, the liver acts like a drug lab. Natural enzymes—tiny molecular scissors—cut and reshape thebaine until it becomes morphine or codeine. You don’t need to take morphine to feel its effects. Your liver can make it for you.
Kratom’s Copycat Move — Mitragynine → 7-OH
Mitragynine, kratom’s main alkaloid, also looks harmless until the liver gets involved. Once swallowed, those same enzymes oxidize it into 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), the metabolite responsible for kratom’s opioid-like punch. Mitragynine is the starter fluid. 7-OH is the explosion.
The Parallel in One Line
Thebaine → Morphine / Codeine
Mitragynine → 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
The liver flips the switch in both cases.
Why Big Pharma Won’t Touch 7-OH
If 7-OH were safe or predictable, pharmaceutical companies would already be selling it. They’re not—and that says everything.
- It’s unpredictable. Everyone’s liver converts it differently, making dosage control impossible.
- It’s risky. Too much can cause seizures, liver stress, or stop breathing altogether.
- It’s a liability nightmare. Even the companies that made billions off oxycodone won’t go near it.
Bottom Line
Thebaine was profitable because chemists controlled the conversion. Kratom’s conversion happens inside the user—with no oversight, no dosage control, and no safety net. Same trick, worse outcome.
Take Action with MAHA
This story isn’t just science—it’s a warning. The same metabolism that turned poppy alkaloids into morphine is now turning gas-station “supplements” into unregulated opioids. Families deserve protection, not chemistry experiments sold over the counter.
- Share this article with parents, local officials, or health boards who think kratom is “natural” or “safe.”
- Report adverse reactions through MAHA’s Take Action section to learn how to report to the FDA MedWatch portal or your local poison-control center.
- Urge lawmakers to act using MAHA’s evidence-based form letters.