New Jersey Legislature Passes 7-OH Ban, Bill Awaits Governor

Why it matters

If signed, New Jersey becomes one of several states in 2026 to ban synthetic 7-OH sales — joining the wave of state action that preceded the DEA's own July 1 scheduling announcement.

The big picture

New York and New Jersey have been watching the 7-OH issue closely as the products proliferate in gas stations and smoke shops across both states. New Jersey's legislative action in June 2026 came roughly two weeks before the DEA announced federal intent to schedule 7-OH under the Controlled Substances Act. Smoke shop operators in the state expressed concern about lost sales but acknowledged public health concerns around the addictive potential of the concentrated products.

Key findings

• New Jersey's state legislature passed a bill banning the sale of synthetic 7-OH in mid-June 2026
• The bill heads to the governor for signature or veto
• Physicians and health advocates cited addictive potential and dangers of the highly concentrated formulations compared to traditional kratom leaf
• Some New Jersey smoke shop managers expressed support for the legislation while noting concerns about revenue loss
• The legislation targets synthetic 7-OH specifically, not botanical kratom sold as a traditional supplement
• New Jersey's bill mirrors similar legislation passed in other states in spring and summer 2026

What they say

"Hopefully there's some alternative that these people would be able to use that we would still legally be allowed to sell," one New Jersey smoke shop manager said, acknowledging concerns about the product's addictive properties while expressing worry about lost business.

Bottom line

New Jersey is one bill-signing away from joining the growing list of states that banned synthetic 7-OH ahead of the DEA's own federal action.