Justice Department Announces Emergency Scheduling of MGPI, MGM-15, and MGM-16 as Schedule I Opioids

Why it matters

Effective August 26, 2026, the DEA has placed three synthetic opioid compounds—mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), MGM-15, and MGM-16—into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The action subjects manufacture, distribution, and possession of these compounds to full federal criminal sanctions, while explicitly excluding traditional botanical kratom.

The big picture

The emergency scheduling under Docket No. DEA-1644 follows a July 6, 2026 notice of intent and stays in force for two years through August 2028. A companion action targeting concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine is still progressing through the regulatory process, with a public comment period closing September 10, 2026. The DOJ issued a parallel enforcement discretion policy allowing leniency when only incidental trace amounts of MGPI appear in products otherwise consistent with botanical kratom—acknowledging unresolved scientific questions about whether MGPI can form during processing or storage of natural plant material.

Key findings

• MGPI, MGM-15, and MGM-16 are potent mu-opioid receptor agonists not naturally occurring in the kratom plant
• All three are products of laboratory synthesis, modified from purified alkaloid isolates to produce opioid effects far exceeding morphine
• The DOJ states the action targets 'deliberately manufactured and concentrated opioid products, not traditional botanical kratom'
• DOJ will exercise enforcement discretion when only incidental trace MGPI is found in an otherwise botanical kratom product
• Enforcement discretion does NOT apply to MGM-15, MGM-16, or any product with manufactured, fortified, or intentionally added MGPI
• The temporary order remains effective for two years; a separate 7-OH scheduling action is still pending

What they say

"The Justice Department is acting before these dangerous compounds become a broader threat," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "These are potent opioids being manufactured and sold in consumer products, often under labels that obscure their true risks. This action will protect our nation's children and communities from the dangers of drug addiction and abuse."

Bottom line

The DEA's Schedule I placement of MGPI, MGM-15, and MGM-16 takes effect today, criminalizing lab-made synthetic kratom derivatives while explicitly preserving access to traditional botanical kratom leaf.