SABER Welcomes DEA Distinction Between Natural Kratom and Synthetic 7-OH, Urges Continued Research

Why it matters

SABER's statement represents the scientific and research community's response to the DEA action — affirming the public health rationale while calling for the distinction between natural botanical kratom and synthetic derivatives to be preserved in ongoing regulatory frameworks.

The big picture

The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) occupies a distinct position in the kratom debate: neither a pure industry advocacy group nor a government regulator. Its endorsement of the DEA's threshold-based approach signals that scientists and medical professionals who study botanical compounds see the natural/synthetic distinction as scientifically sound. SABER also flagged that HHS has opened a public Request for Information (RFI) on the specific threshold concentration.

Key findings

• SABER commends DEA, HHS, and FDA for drawing a science-based line between natural kratom leaf and concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products
• The DEA issued two separate Notices of Intent: one for 7-OH above a threshold, and one for three fully synthetic derivatives (MP, MGM-15, MGM-16) that do not occur in nature
• HHS has opened a 30-day public Request for Information specifically on what concentration of 7-OH constitutes an imminent hazard — comments will inform the Attorney General's final scheduling order
• SABER notes that MP is a chemical rearrangement of 7-OH, while MGM-15 and MGM-16 are synthetic derivatives achievable only through laboratory synthesis
• FDA issued warning letters to companies marketing 7-OH products in 2025 before the formal scheduling process began
• SABER calls for continued research investment to clarify the safety profile of kratom and its alkaloids

What they say

"This action reflects exactly the kind of science-based, targeted approach we have long advocated," said Thomas Brendler, PhD, Chair of SABER's Steering Committee. "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."

Bottom line

SABER's endorsement adds scientific credibility to the DEA's threshold-based approach — and its call for public comment participation signals the research community intends to shape the final 7-OH concentration limit.