DEA Files Notice to Temporarily Schedule 7-OH and Three Synthetic Kratom Derivatives

Why it matters

The DEA action specifically targets synthetic, high-concentration 7-OH products in supplements — not natural botanical kratom — a distinction that could determine whether state-level kratom bans are warranted.

The big picture

On July 1, 2026, the DEA filed notices of intent to temporarily place 7-hydroxymitragynine (above a defined threshold), mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), MGM-15, and MGM-16 into Schedule I. The action follows FDA warning letters sent in July 2025 to seven companies illegally marketing synthetic 7-OH products. Both the American Kratom Association and the Natural Products Association expressed support for the scheduling, specifically because it targets synthetically derived compounds and explicitly excludes naturally occurring trace amounts in botanical kratom.

Key findings

• DEA filed two Notices of Intent (NOI): one for 7-OH above 0.050% threshold, one for MP, MGM-15, and MGM-16
• Threshold is set at 0.050% dry weight in botanicals or ≥0.050%/≥1.00 mg in synthetically processed products
• FDA had previously issued seven warning letters in July 2025 to companies marketing illegal synthetic 7-OH products
• American Kratom Association and Natural Products Association both supported the action as targeting adulterated products
• HHS opened a 30-day RFI specifically on whether the 0.050% threshold is scientifically appropriate
• DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said the action gives law enforcement tools to address "this emerging threat"

What they say

"This DEA action should end the debate. Chemically manipulated 7-OH opioids are not kratom. They are dangerous products that exploited the reputation of natural kratom leaf, misled consumers, and created a public health threat that responsible regulators can no longer ignore." — Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy, American Kratom Association

Bottom line

**The DEA action draws a clear legal line between naturally occurring trace 7-OH in botanical kratom and the synthetic, concentrated 7-OH products in adulterated supplements — a distinction the kratom industry and natural products trade groups have long demanded.**