DEA Permanently Schedules Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 as Schedule I Controlled Substances

Why it matters

Effective August 26, 2026, three potent opioids derived from kratom alkaloids — mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 — are now Schedule I controlled substances for two years, making their manufacture, sale, and possession federal crimes. The rule does not apply to traditional botanical kratom.

The big picture

These three compounds emerged from research chemistry into commercial consumer products between 2024 and 2025, appearing in gas stations and online shops marketed as "botanical extracts" or "mood boosters." Preclinical data show MGM-16 is approximately 240 times more potent than morphine at the mu-opioid receptor. The DEA acted under the Controlled Substances Act's emergency scheduling authority, which allows temporary two-year scheduling without the full rulemaking process when there is an imminent public safety hazard.

Key findings

• From February 2025 to May 2026, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl was linked to at least 56 overdose cases, 48 of which were fatal
• MGM-15 was tied to 17 overdose cases between February and April 2026, with 16 fatalities
• MGM-16 is approximately 240 times more potent than morphine in animal models; mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is about 100 times more potent than mitragynine at the mu-opioid receptor
• Forensic labs identified mitragynine pseudoindoxyl in 103 toxicology specimens and 12 drug materials prior to the scheduling order
• Products were sold under names like Kama, Hydroxie, Fruity Perks, and Happie Tabs — in flavored chewable tablets, powders, and liquid shots available in gas stations and online without age restrictions

What they say

DEA states: "Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 are potent opioids that share a similar pharmacological profile with 7-hydroxymitragynine and morphine. Because of the potency of these compounds, they can be abused in smaller, concentrated doses."

Bottom line

Three synthetic kratom-derived opioids that caused dozens of fatal overdoses are now Schedule I controlled substances as of August 26, 2026 — but traditional botanical kratom remains unscheduled.