New York Senate Bill S8925A Passes Both Chambers, Awaits Governor Signature on 7-OH Retail Ban

Why it matters

New York's S8925A would restrict retail sales of high-concentration 7-OH products statewide, one of the strongest consumer-protection measures on kratom-derived opioids passed by any state legislature. Simultaneously, the DEA announced Notices of Intent on July 1, 2026 to temporarily Schedule I certain 7-OH substances federally.

The big picture

7-OH and synthetic kratom derivatives like MGM-15, MGM-16, and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl have emerged as a distinct regulatory problem from traditional kratom leaf. They can produce strong opioid-like effects, are sold in consumer-friendly formats (gummies, drinks, shots), and are frequently found in ordinary retail environments. Both New York's legislative action and the DEA's federal Notice of Intent target these concentrated products while leaving natural whole-leaf kratom in a regulated-but-legal category.

Key findings

• New York Senate Bill S8925A passed both the Senate and Assembly and awaits Governor action as of July 2026.
• The bill would ban sale, delivery, and offering for sale of products containing 7-OH above 2% of total alkaloids or more than 1 milligram per serving.
• Penalties are civil, not criminal, targeting businesses: up to $500 for first violation, up to $1,000 for subsequent violations.
• The DEA issued two Notices of Intent on July 1, 2026 to temporarily Schedule I: (1) 7-OH above a concentration threshold, and (2) mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16.
• MGM-15, MGM-16, and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl do not occur naturally in kratom; they are synthetic derivatives or rearrangement products of 7-OH.
• Standard rapid KRA drug tests detect mitragynine, not 7-OH directly — purified or synthetic 7-OH products may evade standard kratom screening.

What they say

"High-potency 7-OH products are often sold in consumer-friendly forms, including tablets, gummies, beverages, and other products that may appear less risky than traditional opioids. These products have been described in public reporting as 'gas station heroin,' reflecting concern that they are being sold in ordinary retail environments despite opioid-like effects," according to the ISSUP analysis of the legislation.

Bottom line

**New York's S8925A and the DEA's July 2026 scheduling actions represent the most significant coordinated regulatory moves yet against concentrated 7-OH and synthetic kratom-derived opioids.**