U.S. drug regulators are zeroing in on a potent, lab‑made kratom compound rather than the plant itself. The Drug Enforcement Administration has moved to temporarily place 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) and three related analogues in the strictest federal drug category, reserved for substances deemed to have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use.
The order targets products with elevated levels of 7‑OH, commonly sold as candies, shots and “kratom extracts” in convenience stores and vape shops, while explicitly leaving botanical kratom untouched. Public health groups and major kratom industry players have backed the decision, arguing that these synthetic, opioid‑like formulations pose a serious safety risk. For full background, see the original coverage from The Hill, via HootMD.