Policy · 2026-08-05
DEA 7-OH Schedule I Takes Effect August 5: The 0.05% Threshold, Two-Year Timeline, and What Changes Now
Source: Kratom News
Why it matters
The DEA temporary scheduling of 7-hydroxymitragynine as a Schedule I controlled substance is now in effect, making manufacturing, distributing, selling, and possessing covered products a federal criminal offense. The specific 0.05% dry-weight threshold draws a bright legal line between products that are now contraband and natural kratom leaf, which remains unscheduled.
The big picture
The DEA filed its notices of intent on July 1, published in the Federal Register on July 6, and the 30-day public comment window closed July 31. The temporary order is effective for two years with a possible one-year extension, giving the government time to pursue permanent scheduling. Three related synthetic compounds were also covered. Notably, the American Kratom Association and Global Kratom Coalition actively supported the action, arguing concentrated 7-OH products undermine consumer trust in natural kratom.
Key findings
- The federal DEA Schedule I order for 7-OH is effective on or after August 5, 2026, with criminal penalties for manufacturing, distributing, selling, and possession
- The control threshold is 7-OH above 0.05% by dry weight in botanical material, above 0.05% by weight or volume in synthetic or processed material, or more than 1.00 mg of 7-OH per article
- Natural kratom leaf typically contains trace 7-OH well below 0.05% and is not targeted
- Three related synthetic compounds are also covered: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16
- The temporary order lasts two years with a possible one-year extension while the DEA pursues permanent scheduling
- Texas poison control data showed 192 kratom or 7-OH exposures in 2025, up from 107 in all of 2024
- Both the AKA and the Global Kratom Coalition supported the scheduling
What they say
The DEA describes its target as "highly concentrated, synthetic 7-OH products, which pose a growing threat to public safety and health" — not botanical kratom, according to the agency's own scheduling notices.
Bottom line
The federal 7-OH Schedule I order is now law: products above the 0.05% threshold are federally illegal, natural leaf remains unscheduled, and the DEA has up to three years to convert this temporary order into a permanent rule.