DEA Schedule I Order for MGM-15 and Kratom Derivatives Takes Effect August 26, Citing 48 Fatal Overdose Cases

Why it matters

Three potent kratom-derived synthetic opioids — mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 — became federally illegal today. Products marketed as "botanical extracts" at gas stations and online must be pulled from shelves immediately, and unauthorized possession is now a federal crime under the Controlled Substances Act.

The big picture

The DEA's action, Docket No. DEA-1644, targets a newer generation of kratom-derived semi-synthetic compounds distinct from natural kratom leaf. Between February 2025 and May 2026, DEA toxicology testing found mitragynine pseudoindoxyl in 56 overdose cases — 48 of them fatal. MGM-15 appeared in 17 overdose cases between February and April 2026, 16 of them fatal. These compounds are 50 to 240 times more potent than morphine in animal models. Critically, this order is separate from and does not affect the pending 7-OH scheduling action.

Key findings

• Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 are now Schedule I controlled substances as of August 26, 2026
• The order, Docket No. DEA-1644, was filed for public inspection August 24 and took effect today upon Federal Register publication
• DEA toxicology detected pseudoindoxyl in 56 overdose cases between Feb 2025 and May 2026; 48 were fatal
• MGM-15 was identified in 17 overdose cases from Feb–Apr 2026; 16 resulted in death
• This action is separate from 7-OH scheduling — natural kratom leaf and the pending 7-OH rule are not covered by this order

What they say

"The uncontrolled manufacture, distribution, reverse distribution, importation, exportation, conduct of research and chemical analysis, possession, and abuse of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 pose an imminent hazard to public safety," stated the DEA Administrator in the final temporary scheduling order.

Bottom line

Three synthetic kratom opioids sold openly at gas stations are now federally illegal — but traditional kratom leaf and the separate 7-OH scheduling action remain on different regulatory tracks.