SABER Scientists Back DEA's 7-OH Scheduling as a 'Science-Based Distinction' From Natural Kratom

Why it matters

SABER (Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research) represents researchers and medical professionals studying kratom. Their endorsement of DEA's targeted approach adds scientific credibility to the regulatory distinction between natural leaf kratom and synthetic or concentrated 7-OH derivatives.

The big picture

The DEA's two Notices of Intent represent a carefully drawn line — scheduling synthetic and concentrated 7-OH while explicitly preserving access to natural botanical kratom below the threshold. Scientific and research organizations like SABER view this distinction as essential: treating all kratom-related products identically would stifle legitimate research and harm consumers who depend on natural products.

Key findings

• SABER explicitly supports DEA's Notices of Intent, calling them a 'science-based, targeted approach'
• The action covers 7-OH above a defined threshold (0.050% by dry weight in botanical materials or 1.00 mg in processed articles) plus three synthetic derivatives — MP, MGM-15, and MGM-16 — that do not occur naturally in kratom
• SABER emphasizes that natural kratom leaf and synthetic 7-OH products are fundamentally different and should not be regulated identically
• The group calls for continued research investment to further clarify the safety profile of kratom alkaloids
• SABER views the action as consistent with evidence-based botanical regulation, building on FDA warning letters (2025) and prior product seizures

What they say

"Federal agencies reviewed the available evidence and drew a careful line between natural kratom and the concentrated and synthetic products that have raised serious public health concerns. Making that distinction is essential to protecting consumers without discarding a botanical with a long history of traditional use," said Thomas Brendler, PhD, Chair of SABER's Steering Committee.

Bottom line

The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research endorses DEA's targeted 7-OH scheduling, calling it a constructive science-based outcome that protects consumers from dangerous synthetic products while preserving access to natural botanical kratom.