Experts Urge Michigan Leaders to Distinguish Natural Kratom Leaf from Synthetic 7-OH Derivatives

Why it matters

Addiction specialists and public health experts are warning Michigan policymakers that a blanket ban on all kratom products conflates a traditional botanical used for 50+ years with dangerous synthetic opioids. The state House passed a total kratom ban, but leading clinicians argue the legislation misses the actual threat: concentrated synthetic 7-OH.

The big picture

Natural kratom leaf has been available in the U.S. since the 1970s with minimal health concerns due to trace amounts (less than 0.04%) of 7-OH. Concentrated synthetic 7-OH, discovered and lab-engineered only in recent years, contains 100+ times more 7-OH than natural leaf and is 13 times more potent than morphine. Michigan addiction clinician Dr. Joshua Smith reports that 20% of his inpatient units are now occupied by synthetic 7-OH patients—a crisis that emerged only after synthetic products flooded the market. The FDA in July 2025 recommended 7-OH be scheduled as Schedule I but specifically stated "minimal health concerns" for natural kratom.

Key findings

• Natural kratom leaf contains less than 0.04% 7-OH by weight and originated in Southeast Asia; 24+ million Americans use it for functional wellness
• Synthetic 7-OH products contain 100+ times more 7-OH than natural leaf and are up to 13 times more potent than morphine
• Michigan clinician Dr. Joshua Smith: 20% of inpatient addiction unit beds now occupied by synthetic 7-OH patients—a problem absent one year ago
• FDA Commissioner Marty Makary in July 2025 stated agency was "not targeting the kratom leaf" but "targeting a concentrated synthetic byproduct that is an opioid"
• Florida and Kentucky have followed federal guidance by banning only synthetic 7-OH as Schedule I while preserving natural kratom regulation

What they say

Global Kratom Coalition Executive Director Matthew Lowe: "This timeline is consistent with the entry of synthetic, highly concentrated products into the marketplace — not with decades of natural kratom leaf consumption." Leading addiction researchers have urged colleagues to document synthetic 7-OH cases separately from natural kratom use.

Bottom line

**Michigan policymakers should follow federal guidance and distinguish between centuries-old natural kratom leaf and new synthetic opioid products in their regulatory approach.**