Policy · 2026-06-11
AMA Calls for Complete Ban on 7-OH Sales as Kratom Industry's Internal Civil War Deepens
Source: Pain News Network
Why it matters
The American Medical Association's call for a complete 7-OH ban — adopted at its 2026 annual meeting — carries significant weight with regulators and state legislators, potentially accelerating bans across dozens of states where 7-OH is still legal.
The big picture
The AMA's new policy draws a sharp line between concentrated 7-OH products and natural kratom leaf, urging the FDA to classify 7-OH as adulterated or misbranded. This mirrors the position of the American Kratom Association, which supports 7-OH bans to protect natural kratom's legal status. However, consumer groups representing 7-OH users warn that prohibition without robust science risks repeating past policy failures. The AMA also passed a broader resolution recommending kratom be regulated as a drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Key findings
- AMA's House of Delegates passed a resolution at its 2026 annual meeting calling for a ban on all 7-OH product sales and marketing
- The AMA urged the FDA to classify concentrated 7-OH products as adulterated or misbranded
- A separate AMA resolution recommends kratom be evaluated for regulation as a drug, not a dietary supplement
- An addiction clinic in California reported a 525% increase in kratom-dependent patients in the first five months of 2026 compared to all of 2025
- The American Kratom Association supports the 7-OH ban but argues the AMA failed to distinguish between synthetic 7-OH and natural kratom
- Consumer groups and 7-OH manufacturers oppose bans, calling for age restrictions and science-based standards instead
What they say
"We cannot ignore the growing availability of unregulated products marketed in ways that appeal to children and adolescents. Concentrated 7-OH products are being sold in forms that can resemble candy and other treats, creating unnecessary risks for young people," said Dr. Melissa Garretson, AMA Board of Trustees member.
Bottom line
The AMA's official stance now backs a complete 7-OH sales ban and drug-level regulation for all kratom products — a major escalation that will influence state and federal policy.