DEA Moves to Ban 7-OH as Schedule I, Handing Kratom Makers a Win
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 1
DEA Moves to Ban 7-OH as Schedule I, Handing Kratom Makers a Win
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 1
Summary
7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, is set to be temporarily classified by the DEA alongside heroin and LSD, making the synthetic kratom compound illegal to buy or sell.
The agency said the substance has significant abuse potential and harms, while federal health officials have also warned that natural kratom can cause addiction, overdose and liver damage.
Natural kratom supplement makers had pushed hard for the move after losing market share to 7-OH products, framing the rival compound as a public health threat.
Jerry W. Ross of Botanic Tonics helped lead that campaign, which drew support from Trump administration allies including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The action delivers a commercial and political victory to natural kratom producers because it targets a fast-growing rival while leaving natural kratom products untouched.