New York Legislature Passes Statewide Ban on Synthetic Kratom (7-OH)

Why it matters

New York state lawmakers have unanimously passed legislation banning the sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — a synthetic kratom derivative described as "gas-station heroin" — putting the bill on Governor Hochul's desk. If signed, New York joins multiple states cracking down on the opioid-like compound sold in gas stations and convenience stores.

The big picture

7-OH is a lab-produced version of mitragynine, the active ingredient in kratom, that is approximately 13 times more potent than morphine. The FDA has classified it as an "emerging public health threat." The New York bill builds on two laws passed in 2025 that raised the kratom purchase age to 21 and required full ingredient labeling. States including Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and Ohio have all taken steps to restrict or ban synthetic kratom derivatives in 2026.

Key findings

• New York state legislators from both parties voted unanimously to pass the 7-OH prohibition
• The synthetic compound is described as approximately 13 times more potent than morphine
• The bill follows two 2025 laws restricting kratom sales to adults 21+ and requiring ingredient labeling
• The legislation targets lab-produced versions with highly concentrated mitragynine — not natural kratom leaves
• The bill now awaits Governor Hochul's signature to become law

What they say

"As chair of the Assembly Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that addiction can have on individuals, families, and communities. The growing popularity of products containing high levels of 7-OH, coupled with the lack of regulation surrounding them, presents a serious threat to public health." — Assemblymember Phil Steck (D)

Bottom line

New York state lawmakers unanimously passed a ban on synthetic 7-OH kratom products, sending the bill to Governor Hochul for signature as part of a national wave of state-level crackdowns on lab-concentrated kratom derivatives.