Photo: Lauren DeCicca / Getty Images News / Getty Images
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is moving to temporarily ban products containing certain synthetic versions of kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The agency announced on Wednesday (July 1) that it plans to classify the psychoactive compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and three related substances as Schedule One, the same category as heroin and LSD. This classification indicates that these substances have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
The ban targets products with more than 0.05% of 7-OH by dry weight or those with over 1 milligram of 7-OH. The DEA's decision will apply for two years, with the possibility of extending it for a third year. According to the DEA, 7-OH poses severe risks to public health, including tolerance, dependence, and addiction. The agency also temporarily scheduled three 7-OH-related substances—MP, MGM-15, and MGM-16—that are often marketed as kratom extracts despite containing synthetic opioid compounds.
The Hill reported that public health and addiction advocacy groups have applauded the DEA's decision. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated, "7-OH, MP, MGM-15, and MGM-16 are dangerous opioids that fuel addiction and put American lives at risk." The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also warned consumers against kratom use, citing risks such as liver toxicity and substance use disorder.
Despite these concerns, the DEA clarified that the scheduling does not impact botanical kratom products, which remain legal. The focus is on synthesized products and those with elevated concentrations of 7-OH. The American Kratom Association supports the DEA's action, emphasizing that natural leaf kratom should remain legal.
Pain News Network highlighted that the DEA's action is likely to face legal challenges from 7-OH advocacy groups. These groups argue that the temporary scheduling is causing confusion and fear among consumers.
In a Reuters report, it was noted that the DEA's action aligns with the federal policy on kratom-related products. The DEA's temporary scheduling of 7-OH will begin 30 days after the notice is formally published on July 6, effectively banning the manufacture, sale, and use of 7-OH products nationwide by early August.