AKA Senior Fellow Defends 7-OH Scheduling in Rare Op-Ed Exchange on Pain News Network

Why it matters

A public debate between a chronic pain patient who uses 7-OH and the AKA's top policy official reveals the human complexity behind the federal scheduling decision — demonstrating that not all kratom advocates, consumers, or patient groups share the same view on how 7-OH should be regulated.

The big picture

The AKA has long defended kratom from federal prohibition, famously organizing the 2016 grassroots campaign that reversed a DEA emergency scheduling. Its embrace of the 2026 7-OH scheduling — and its public split from 7-OH manufacturers — triggered fierce pushback from chronic pain patients who rely on the concentrated products for relief. Pain News Network published two competing op-eds: first from a 7-OH consumer criticizing the DEA action and the AKA, then from AKA Senior Fellow Mac Haddow defending the distinction between natural kratom leaf and semi-synthetic 7-OH opioids.

Key findings

• AKA Senior Fellow Mac Haddow argued 7-OH manufacturers created and sold unregulated opioids without following federal safety requirements, deceiving consumers and natural kratom advocates
• Haddow drew a direct comparison to allowing unregulated opioids at gas station counters without medical supervision, abuse-liability controls, or approved safety profiles
• Haddow stated the AKA will work with Congress to pass a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) to modify criminal penalty provisions affecting consumers
• Patient commenters disputed the AKA position, citing personal experience managing chronic pain with 7-OH and expressing fear of loss of access
• The AKA is framing consumer protection as its core mission, arguing 7-OH manufacturers endangered all kratom by blurring the line between botanical and synthetic opioids

What they say

"The blame for this situation does not rest with the American Kratom Association, natural kratom leaf consumers, regulators, or anyone advocating for responsible consumer protections. The blame lies entirely at the feet of the 7-OH manufacturers who deliberately bypassed federal law and basic safety requirements in pursuit of profits," wrote Mac Haddow, AKA Senior Fellow on Public Policy.

Bottom line

The 7-OH scheduling debate has fractured the kratom advocacy space — pitting natural leaf consumers and the AKA against 7-OH product users and manufacturers in a fight that will shape the future of all kratom regulation.