The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced plans to temporarily classify the synthetic kratom-related compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and three chemically related substances as Schedule I controlled substances, placing them in the same legal category as drugs such as heroin and LSD.
Federal officials say the move is intended to address growing concerns about the availability of highly concentrated synthetic products that mimic opioid effects and may pose significant risks to public health.
If finalized, the temporary scheduling would remain in effect for two years, with the option of extending it for an additional year while regulators complete a permanent review.
DEA Targets Synthetic Compounds, Not Natural Kratom
According to the DEA, the proposed action specifically targets synthetically produced 7-OH and related compounds rather than traditional botanical kratom products.
The agency also announced the temporary scheduling of three additional substances:
- MP
- MGM-15
- MGM-16
Officials said these compounds are often marketed as kratom extracts but do not occur naturally in the kratom plant. Instead, they are chemically synthesized or modified versions designed to produce stronger opioid-like effects.
The DEA emphasized that natural kratom itself is not being scheduled under the new proposal.
Why Regulators Are Concerned
Federal health officials argue that concentrated synthetic 7-OH products present a greater risk than naturally occurring kratom because of their potency and unpredictable effects.
According to the DEA, the substances may contribute to:
- Tolerance
- Physical dependence
- Addiction
- Increased overdose risk
- Other serious health complications
Authorities also expressed concern that many products are sold in forms that may appeal to younger consumers, including:
- Fruit-flavored gummies
- Candies
- Liquid shots
- Tablets
These products have become increasingly available through convenience stores, vape shops, and online retailers.
Support From Federal Health Officials
The proposal received support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which previously reviewed available scientific evidence and recommended scheduling the substances.
Health officials stated that synthetic 7-OH compounds exhibit opioid-like properties and pose significant risks to public safety.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also warned consumers against using kratom products and has not approved kratom for the treatment of any medical condition.
According to the agency, reported adverse effects associated with kratom products have included:
- Liver injury
- Seizures
- Substance use disorder
- Dependence
- Serious adverse reactions
Public Health Groups Welcome the Decision
Several addiction prevention and public health organizations praised the DEA’s announcement, arguing that synthetic kratom-related products have expanded more rapidly than existing regulations.
Advocates say stronger oversight is needed to reduce the availability of highly concentrated products that may expose consumers to greater health risks than traditional botanical kratom.
Some members of the legal kratom industry also supported the action, arguing that synthetic products should be distinguished from natural kratom supplements.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia whose leaves have traditionally been used for various purposes, including pain relief and increased energy.
In the United States, kratom products are widely available as dietary supplements despite not receiving FDA approval for any medical use.
At lower doses, kratom may produce stimulant-like effects, while larger amounts have been associated with sedative and opioid-like effects.
Although natural kratom contains only trace amounts of 7-OH, regulators say many commercially available synthetic products contain significantly higher concentrations, increasing the potential for harmful effects.
What Happens Next?
The DEA’s temporary scheduling order would classify 7-OH, MP, MGM-15, and MGM-16 as Schedule I controlled substances, meaning the federal government considers them to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use under federal law.
The temporary order is expected to remain in effect for up to three years while the agency evaluates whether permanent scheduling is warranted.
Consumers, manufacturers, and retailers involved in the kratom industry will be closely watching the rulemaking process, as the decision could significantly affect the availability of synthetic kratom-derived products across the United States.
Conclusion
The DEA’s proposed temporary ban represents one of the most significant federal actions involving synthetic kratom-related compounds to date. While natural botanical kratom remains unaffected by the announcement, regulators say highly concentrated synthetic versions of 7-OH pose increasing public health concerns due to their opioid-like properties and abuse potential.
As federal agencies continue evaluating scientific evidence, the scheduling decision is expected to shape future regulation of synthetic kratom products and influence ongoing debates surrounding consumer safety, addiction prevention, and access to alternative herbal supplements.
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