New Jersey Senate Committee Unanimously Advances Bill to Criminalize 7-OH; Industry Advocates Warn of Black Market Risks

Why it matters

New Jersey's health committee unanimously advancing 7-OH criminalization legislation signals strong bipartisan concern about the specific high-potency alkaloid. The debate captures the tension between public health restrictions and harm-reduction principles.

The big picture

Seven states have now banned kratom entirely, and many more have regulated it. The FDA has recommended DEA scheduling of 7-hydroxymitragynine as a controlled substance, elevating it as a policy priority. At least half of U.S. states have adopted some form of kratom regulation or restrictions.

Key findings

• 7-OH products are sold under brand names like 'Dopium' and 'Zohm' in tablets, candies, and drinks at gas stations, corner stores, and online
• Possession of an ounce or more of 7-OH would become a second-degree crime under the proposed bill
• Industry advocate Michele Ross testified that 1.5 billion doses of 7-OH have been safely consumed nationwide
• One behavioral health counselor testified that a single dose of 7-OH re-triggered his 20-year heroin addiction

What they say

This is a dangerous drug. It's highly addictive, said Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex), the health committee chairman. The kratom industry has not opted to regulate itself in a meaningful way. However, industry advocate Michele Ross countered: Let responsible adults access these products that they so desperately need, warning that criminalization would drive users to the black market.

Bottom line

**New Jersey is moving toward Schedule I criminalization of 7-OH while the broader kratom industry debates whether regulation or criminalization poses greater public health risks.**