DEA Moves to Temporarily Ban Synthetic Kratom Compound 7-OH, Classifying It as Schedule I
Key Insights
The DEA plans to temporarily classify 7-OH (search), a synthetic kratom (search) compound with opioid-like effects, as a Schedule I controlled substance for two years.
Federal officials cite increased reports of misuse, dependence, and overdose, stating the compound presents severe risks to public health including tolerance and addiction.
The mainstream kratom (search) industry and local officials support the ban, emphasizing the distinction between natural botanical kratom and the more dangerous synthetic 7-OH (search) products.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (search) (DEA) announced plans to temporarily ban 7-OH (search), a synthetic compound derived from kratom (search) that exerts opioid-like effects, by placing it in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act—the same category as heroin. The move, detailed in a draft notice of intent in the Federal Register, represents the most significant federal regulatory action against kratom-derived products to date.
The temporary classification will remain in place for two years, with the potential for a one-year extension, and applies to products exceeding a specific threshold of 7-OH (search). The ban is scheduled to take effect following a 30-day public comment period.
The DEA asserts that 7-OH (search) "presents severe risks to public health, including tolerance, dependence and addiction." Federal officials cited increased reports of misuse, dependence, and overdose, along with growing evidence that the compound poses health risks comparable to those of powerful opioids.
A Divisive Landscape: Natural Kratom (search) vs. Synthetic 7-OH (search)
Kratom (search) is a Southeast Asian plant with analgesic and antidepressant properties when consumed at low doses. Natural kratom contains only trace amounts of 7-OH (search). However, recent years have witnessed an explosion in the production and sale of unregulated 7-OH products—sold as gummies, drinks, and capsules in gas stations and smoke shops nationwide—which can be far more potent than natural kratom.
The proposed ban has drawn a sharp line between the mainstream kratom (search) industry and the emerging 7-OH (search) market. The American Kratom Association (search), which represents natural kratom interests, celebrated the DEA's action.
"This DEA action should end the debate," said Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association (search). "Chemically manipulated 7-OH (search) opioids are not kratom (search). They are dangerous products that exploited the reputation of natural kratom leaf, misled consumers, and created a public health threat that responsible regulators can no longer ignore."
The 7-OH (search) industry is pushing back. Jeff Smith, executive director of the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (search), a 7-OH advocacy group, stated: "Hundreds of thousands of consumers are eager to share how 7-OH has helped them manage pain, return to work, care for their families, and reclaim their life."
Local Officials and Law Enforcement Respond
The ban has garnered support from district attorneys across northeastern Pennsylvania. Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher, Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce, and Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters all endorsed the federal action.
"For months, we've warned that these highly concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH (search)) products pose a serious threat to public safety. They are not traditional botanical kratom (search), they are powerful, opioid-like substances being aggressively marketed in convenience stores and smoke shops, often without consumers fully understanding their potency or risks," Gallagher said.
Sanguedolce drew parallels to the bath salts era, noting that "these dangerous, mind-altering substances, despite being a threat to people's health and safety, are often sold in local stores and are unregulated."
Peters emphasized the distinction between the botanical leaf version and the synthetic compound: "I think it is a positive step, because 7-OH (search), when concentrated and created synthetically, is very addictive, much like an opioid. It's dangerous for those who use it." He added that the drug is often marketed as a remedy for anxiety or opioid addiction, but in reality creates additional anxiety and confusion.
Recovery Community and Political Pressure
Frank Bolock, director of the Recovery Bank in Scranton and a recovery advocate, applauded the DEA's decision. He stated that he does not believe kratom (search) has any redeeming value in recovery, noting that people often turn to kratom as a solution for other addictions but end up with an even bigger problem.
The DEA's action follows political pressure, including a letter sent three months prior by U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA, 8th Congressional District) urging emergency reclassification. "I am glad the DEA heard our concerns and calls to protect Northeastern Pennsylvania and the country from the rapid spread of these high-risk products," Bresnahan said. "This temporary classification is a significant step forward in keeping our communities safe."
The ban also unfolds against a backdrop of high-level political connections to the kratom (search) industry. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin have both been reported to have ties to kratom-related businesses. In May, President Donald Trump endorsed "natural 7-OH (search)," stating the administration was looking at "getting that approved."
Local Regulatory Efforts
In Scranton, the DEA's decision may influence pending local ordinances. Scranton Councilman Patrick Flynn, who announced plans in April to introduce a city ban on kratom (search) sales, expressed enthusiasm for the federal action. Two kratom-related ordinances—one targeting sales to adults and another to minors—were previously tabled as council sought clarity on legal questions and distinctions between botanical and synthetic forms.
"It's not something that should be sold at the corner gas station," Flynn said, adding that while kratom (search) in a mild form may be helpful, it should also be regulated.