Kratom Faces Growing Regulatory Scrutiny as U.S. Targets Potent 7-OH Products
Kratom Faces Growing Regulatory Scrutiny as U.S. Targets Potent 7-OH Products September 23, 2026 Kratom is facing increased regulatory scrutiny in the United States as federal and state authorities take action over products containing concentrated or synthetic compounds related to the plant. The latest developments focus particularly on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and several manufactured compounds related to it. U.S. authorities say highly concentrated products can present risks that differ from traditional botanical kratom products. Federal Action Targets Three Related Compounds On August 26, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) temporarily placed three 7-hydroxymitragynine-related substances— mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 —into Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. The temporary order is effective from August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2028. The U.S. Department of Justice said the action applies to these manufactured compounds and is aimed...