Kratom Faces Increasing Scrutiny From States and Federal Regulators

Why it matters

The FDA's push to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I controlled substance would mark the most significant federal action on kratom in nearly a decade, while at least seven states are moving independently to tighten kratom regulations in 2025.

The big picture

Kratom has been largely regulated by states in the absence of federal oversight, creating a patchwork of laws across the country. The FDA's July 2025 recommendation to schedule 7-OH — a semi-synthetic compound derived from kratom — signals a new era of federal scrutiny distinct from kratom leaf itself. Researchers remain divided on whether the data justifies the severity of scheduling.

Key findings

• The FDA recommended classifying 7-OH as Schedule I, placing it alongside heroin and LSD, based on high abuse potential
• At least seven states considered kratom legislation in 2025, with Colorado, Mississippi, and Louisiana enacting new laws
• Rhode Island became the first state to reverse a kratom ban, establishing a regulatory framework instead
• FDA Commissioner Marty Makary distinguished between natural kratom leaf and concentrated synthetic 7-OH
• Johns Hopkins researcher Kirsten Smith questioned the data basis for scheduling, noting the absence of a clear public health signal

What they say

Christopher R. McCurdy, professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Florida: "It's a pure opioid that's available without a prescription, so it's akin to having morphine or oxycodone for sale at a smoke shop or a gas station. This is a public health crisis waiting to happen."

Bottom line

The FDA's 2025 push to ban synthetic 7-OH represents the most decisive federal action on kratom in years — while natural kratom leaf remains largely unregulated.