House Health Subcommittee Holds First Federal Hearing on H.R. 8000 END 7-OH Act

Why it matters

The House Health Subcommittee is holding a live hearing today on H.R. 8000, the END 7-OH Act — legislation that would place synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, making it federally illegal.

The big picture

Since June 2025, the FDA has sought emergency DEA scheduling for 7-OH, but the rulemaking process has stalled. More than 12 states have enacted their own bans in the interim. Congress is now moving to bypass the standard executive-branch scheduling process entirely, which critics say could impede future research and therapeutic development.

Key findings

• The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is holding the hearing on March 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET in the Rayburn House Office Building
• H.R. 8000, known as the END 7-OH Act, was introduced by Rep. Bilirakis and would classify synthetic 7-OH as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act
• The bill is being considered alongside 13 other drug-related bills, including measures targeting xylazine, nitazenes, tianeptine, and illicit pill presses
• Schedule I designation would mean no accepted medical use and high abuse potential — the same classification as heroin and LSD
• The hearing marks the first formal Congressional hearing specifically considering 7-OH federal scheduling, a year after the FDA first requested action from the DEA

What they say

Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith stated: "As new and emerging drug threats arise in communities across America, it is vital this Committee continues to implement solutions that prevent illicit drugs from causing any more damage for American families."

Bottom line

Congress is taking its most concrete step yet toward making synthetic 7-OH federally illegal — a move that could reshape the kratom industry and affect hundreds of thousands of users nationwide.