Last updated: August 27, 2026
Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly called 7-OH, are related—but they are not the same thing.
Kratom is the common name for the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. The plant contains numerous naturally occurring alkaloids, primarily mitragynine. It also contains 7-OH in much smaller amounts.
The current federal actions do not amount to a blanket ban on all kratom. Instead, the Drug Enforcement Administration has taken separate actions involving:
- 7-OH products exceeding a proposed concentration or quantity threshold.
- Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, also called MP.
- MGM-15.
- MGM-16.
As of August 27, 2026, MP, MGM-15 and MGM-16 are temporarily classified as Schedule I controlled substances. The separate federal action involving 7-OH above a specified threshold is still pending.
That distinction matters for consumers, families, healthcare professionals and businesses trying to understand whether a particular product is federally controlled.
Current Federal Status of Kratom and 7-OH
Botanical kratom leaf
Botanical kratom leaf is not currently listed as a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
That does not mean every kratom product is lawful or approved. The FDA has not approved kratom or 7-OH for medical use, and the agency has maintained that certain kratom products cannot lawfully be marketed as dietary supplements or treatments for medical conditions.
State laws also vary. Some states prohibit kratom, while others regulate its sale, labeling, age limits or allowable alkaloid concentrations.
7-OH above the proposed federal threshold
As of August 27, 2026, 7-OH above the proposed threshold has not yet been placed in Schedule I.
On July 1, 2026, the DEA announced its intent to temporarily place 7-OH above a specified threshold into Schedule I. The notice was published in the Federal Register on July 6, 2026.
The DEA’s notice said a temporary order could be issued on or after August 5, 2026. That date was the earliest legally permissible date—not a guaranteed effective date.
On August 26, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services reopened and extended the public-comment period concerning the proposed threshold through September 10, 2026. The Attorney General may consider those comments before deciding whether to issue the temporary scheduling order.
Primary sources:
- DEA announcement concerning 7-OH and related substances
- DEA notice of intent concerning 7-OH above a specified threshold
- HHS request for information concerning the proposed threshold
- HHS extension of the public-comment period through September 10, 2026
Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16
Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 were temporarily placed in Schedule I effective August 26, 2026.
Unlike the pending action involving 7-OH, the temporary scheduling order covering these three related substances has already taken effect. Unauthorized possession, manufacture, distribution, importation and exportation may now result in federal administrative, civil or criminal sanctions.
Retail sales of these substances to the general public are not permitted under the Controlled Substances Act.
The temporary classification remains in effect for two years, through August 26, 2028, unless extended or replaced through the permanent scheduling process.
See the August 26, 2026 DEA temporary scheduling order.
What Is the Proposed Federal 7-OH Threshold?
The DEA proposed different measurements for botanical material and processed or synthetic products.
Botanical kratom material
The proposed threshold would cover botanical material from Mitragyna speciosa containing more than 0.050% 7-OH by dry weight.
Botanical kratom that does not contain enhanced levels of 7-OH and remains below this threshold is not intended to be included in the proposed temporary scheduling action.
Synthetic or processed products
For synthetic products and certain processed kratom-derived products, the proposal would apply when 7-OH is present in:
- An amount greater than 0.050% weight/weight.
- An amount greater than 0.050% weight/volume.
- An amount greater than 0.050% volume/volume.
- An amount greater than 1.00 milligram in the article.
The proposal describes covered processed forms as potentially including extracts, concentrates, processed edibles and pressed pills. It also addresses material exposed to chemical, thermal or other methods that cause chemical transformations resulting in elevated 7-OH levels.
These remain proposed thresholds. They could change after HHS and the Attorney General review the information submitted during the extended comment period.
Is Natural Kratom Leaf Included?
The federal government has said the proposed 7-OH action is not intended to regulate natural-leaf kratom that does not contain enhanced levels of 7-OH.
According to HHS:
- 7-OH occurs naturally in kratom in trace amounts.
- The proposed threshold is intended to separate natural-leaf kratom from enhanced 7-OH products.
- Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is a chemical rearrangement product related to 7-OH.
- MGM-15 and MGM-16 are synthetic derivatives.
However, the exclusion for botanical material is not unlimited. Under the proposed definition, botanical material containing more than 0.050% 7-OH by dry weight could fall within the federal scheduling action if an order using that threshold is issued.
Read the HHS and FDA explanation of the federal action.
Why Did the DEA Take Action?
The government’s stated concern is that enhanced 7-OH products and the three related compounds act at mu-opioid receptors and may produce dependence, respiratory depression and other serious health consequences.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s kratom research summary explains that mitragynine and 7-OH both activate mu-opioid receptors, although their effects only partially resemble those of opioids such as heroin or oxycodone.
NIDA also reports that:
- Kratom leaves and mitragynine generally have not produced the respiratory depression associated with a life-threatening opioid overdose.
- In laboratory models, 7-OH caused respiratory depression.
- Naloxone reversed that respiratory depression in the laboratory models.
- Research into kratom compounds, their effects and their potential uses remains ongoing.
This does not establish that every kratom or 7-OH exposure will produce the same effect. It does support concern about concentrated products that deliver substantially more 7-OH than naturally occurs in ordinary botanical material.
Reported Illnesses Associated With 7-OH
In an August 2025 health advisory, America’s Poison Centers reported increasing exposure calls involving 7-OH.
From January 1 through July 31, 2025, poison centers received 165 reports involving 7-OH. Among reported exposures involving 7-OH alone, 35% were associated with serious health problems and 67% of patients were treated at a healthcare facility.
Reported symptoms included:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Agitation.
- Confusion.
- Sweating.
- Rapid heart rate.
- High blood pressure.
- Trouble breathing.
- Sleepiness or loss of consciousness.
- Seizures.
These poison-center reports establish an association between reported exposure and illness; they do not prove that every reported symptom was caused solely by 7-OH.
Read the complete America’s Poison Centers health advisory on illnesses associated with 7-OH.
FDA Enforcement Involving 7-OH Products
The FDA began taking more visible action against concentrated 7-OH products in 2025.
On July 29, 2025, the agency announced that it was recommending federal scheduling action involving certain 7-OH products. The agency also issued warning letters to seven companies accused of marketing illegal products containing 7-OH, including tablets, gummies, drink mixes and liquid shots.
Read the FDA announcement concerning 7-OH scheduling and enforcement.
In December 2025, the FDA, Department of Justice and U.S. Marshals Service seized approximately $1 million in products containing 7-OH from three companies in Missouri. The federal government characterized the seized products as unlawful dietary supplements and food products.
These FDA actions were taken under federal food-and-drug law and are separate from whether 7-OH is classified as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
How Is This Different From the 2016 Kratom Proposal?
In 2016, the DEA announced its intent to temporarily place both mitragynine and 7-OH in Schedule I. That broader proposal would have directly affected the principal kratom alkaloids.
After receiving extensive public and congressional opposition, the DEA withdrew its notice of intent and requested a scientific and medical evaluation from the FDA.
The current action is structured differently. Rather than scheduling mitragynine or imposing an express blanket prohibition on all kratom leaf, the proposed 7-OH action uses concentration and per-article thresholds intended to distinguish enhanced products from ordinary botanical material.
The Congressional Research Service discusses the Controlled Substances Act process, the 2016 action and the legal distinctions surrounding kratom in its legal overview of kratom and federal controlled-substance law.
What This Could Mean for People Who Use Concentrated 7-OH
The federal scheduling process could affect the availability and legality of concentrated 7-OH products.
Daily or frequent use of concentrated 7-OH may cause physical dependence. If dependence has developed, suddenly stopping may produce withdrawal symptoms.
Possible withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Anxiety or restlessness.
- Sleep problems.
- Muscle aches.
- Sweating.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Strong cravings.
- Changes in mood.
The severity and duration of withdrawal can vary depending on the product, amount used, frequency of use, duration of use, other substances and the person’s overall health.
Because commercial 7-OH products may vary in strength and composition, attempting to create a self-directed taper can be unpredictable. Dosing and tapering decisions should be made with a qualified medical professional who can assess the individual and the product involved.
Learn more about available levels of care through our guides to detox and what to expect in detox.
7-OH, Kratom and Opioid-Related Dependence
Because 7-OH activates mu-opioid receptors, clinicians may evaluate dependence and withdrawal using principles applied to other opioid-related conditions.
However, evidence specifically addressing treatment for concentrated 7-OH dependence remains limited. Treatment should be individualized by a qualified clinician rather than assumed to be identical to treatment for heroin, fentanyl or prescription opioid dependence.
Our opioid addiction guide explains opioid dependence, withdrawal and treatment in greater detail. Additional information about dependence involving medications and drug-like products is available in our prescription drug addiction guide.
Depending on the person’s symptoms and circumstances, treatment could involve:
- Medical evaluation and withdrawal management.
- An outpatient program.
- A partial hospitalization program.
- Residential treatment.
- Continuing behavioral and recovery support.
When substance use occurs alongside depression, anxiety, trauma or another mental health condition, a dual-diagnosis treatment program can evaluate both conditions as part of the treatment plan.
Will Insurance Cover Treatment for 7-OH Dependence?
Many commercial health plans include benefits for substance-use-disorder treatment, but coverage for a particular service or facility depends on the individual policy.
Factors may include:
- Whether treatment is medically necessary.
- Whether the provider is in-network or out-of-network.
- Deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
- Prior-authorization requirements.
- The recommended level of care.
- Residential-treatment limitations.
- Exclusions contained in the plan.
- Whether the facility meets the insurer’s credentialing requirements.
Having behavioral-health coverage does not guarantee that the insurer will pay for every program or level of treatment. Our insurance and rehab guide explains how benefit verification works and what questions to ask before admission.
Federal and State Laws Are Different
Federal controlled-substance law and state law operate independently.
A product that is not scheduled federally may still be prohibited or restricted under state law. Some states regulate kratom leaf, concentrated 7-OH or both. Laws may also impose:
- Minimum purchasing ages.
- Product-labeling requirements.
- Testing or registration requirements.
- Limits on particular alkaloids.
- Restrictions on synthetic or enhanced products.
- Complete prohibitions on possession or sale.
Consumers and businesses should verify the current statute, health-department guidance and controlled-substance schedule in their state. A seller’s website, product label or shipping policy is not a reliable substitute for current law.
Federal 7-OH Timeline
| Date | Federal action |
|---|---|
| August 31, 2016 | DEA publishes notice of intent to temporarily schedule mitragynine and 7-OH |
| October 13, 2016 | DEA withdraws the 2016 notice and requests additional scientific and medical evaluation |
| July 29, 2025 | FDA announces a scheduling recommendation involving certain 7-OH products and issues warning letters to seven companies |
| December 2025 | FDA, DOJ and U.S. Marshals Service seize approximately $1 million in products containing 7-OH from three Missouri companies |
| March 19, 2026 | H.R. 8000, the END 7-OH Act, is introduced in the House |
| July 1, 2026 | DEA files two notices of intent involving 7-OH and three related substances |
| July 6, 2026 | The notices appear in the Federal Register, and HHS opens a public docket concerning the proposed 7-OH threshold |
| July 31, 2026 | Original HHS comment period closes |
| August 26, 2026 | Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 become temporarily classified as Schedule I substances |
| August 26, 2026 | HHS reopens and extends the 7-OH threshold comment period |
| September 10, 2026 | Extended deadline for comments about the proposed 7-OH threshold |
| Pending | DEA has not yet issued the temporary order covering 7-OH above the proposed threshold |
What Is the END 7-OH Act?
H.R. 8000, known as the End Needless Distribution of 7-OH Act or END 7-OH Act, was introduced by Representative Gus Bilirakis on March 19, 2026.
The proposed legislation would address synthetic 7-OH through permanent federal legislation rather than temporary administrative scheduling. As introduced, it distinguishes synthetic 7-OH from 7-OH naturally contained in kratom.
Introducing a bill does not make it law. As of August 27, 2026, H.R. 8000 has not completed the legislative process.
Follow the current status and read the official text of H.R. 8000 on Congress.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kratom federally illegal now?
No. As of August 27, 2026, botanical kratom leaf is not scheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
Nevertheless, the FDA has not approved kratom to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a medical condition. Certain kratom products may violate federal food-and-drug laws, and individual states may prohibit or restrict possession and sale.
Is 7-OH federally illegal now?
Not under the pending federal threshold-based scheduling action as of August 27, 2026.
DEA has announced its intent to temporarily place 7-OH above a specified threshold into Schedule I, but it has not yet published the temporary scheduling order. HHS is accepting additional comments about the proposed threshold through September 10, 2026.
State law may separately prohibit or restrict 7-OH.
Are mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 illegal?
These three substances were temporarily placed in federal Schedule I effective August 26, 2026.
Unauthorized possession, manufacture, distribution, importation and exportation are prohibited under the Controlled Substances Act. The temporary order is scheduled to remain effective for two years, with a possible one-year extension if permanent scheduling proceedings are initiated.
Is ordinary kratom powder included in the proposed 7-OH action?
The federal government says the action is not intended to capture natural-leaf kratom that does not contain enhanced 7-OH.
However, botanical material containing more than the proposed limit of 0.050% 7-OH by dry weight could meet the proposed federal definition. Product labels may not provide enough reliable information to determine whether a product exceeds that threshold.
Are kratom capsules included?
The answer depends on what the capsules contain.
Capsules containing ordinary botanical material below the proposed threshold are not intended to be included. Concentrated, enhanced, processed or chemically altered products could qualify if they exceed the applicable concentration or per-article limit.
Are 7-OH gummies, tablets and shots included?
If the DEA issues an order using the proposed language, synthetic or processed articles would be covered when they contain more than 0.050% 7-OH under the applicable measurement or more than 1.00 milligram of 7-OH in the article.
Because the final 7-OH order has not been issued, the threshold remains subject to change.
Can naloxone reverse a 7-OH overdose?
NIDA reports that naloxone reversed respiratory depression caused by 7-OH in laboratory models. Human evidence remains limited, and no one should delay emergency care based on assumptions about how a person will respond.
If someone is unresponsive, breathing slowly or not breathing, call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone if it is available and you are able to do so. Additional doses may be necessary while waiting for emergency responders.
What should I do after a concerning 7-OH exposure?
Call 911 immediately if the person has trouble breathing, loses consciousness, experiences a seizure or cannot be awakened.
For poison guidance in the United States, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking help.
Can someone stop using concentrated 7-OH at home?
A clinician should evaluate people who use concentrated 7-OH regularly, have experienced withdrawal, use other opioids or sedatives, have significant medical conditions, or have previously experienced severe withdrawal.
TheRecover does not provide individual tapering or dosing instructions. Potency may vary between products, and clinical evidence specific to concentrated 7-OH remains limited.
How long does temporary Schedule I placement last?
A temporary scheduling order generally remains effective for two years. It can be extended for up to one additional year while permanent scheduling proceedings are considered.
The current order covering mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 is effective from August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2028, unless extended or replaced.
Stay Informed
Federal actions involving 7-OH are developing quickly. Readers can follow additional reporting through our addiction news and public health updates.
People looking for broader education about substance use, treatment and recovery can also visit our drug addiction guide, family guides and recovery guides.
If You Need Help
If you or someone in your family is using concentrated 7-OH and wants to stop, help is available.
A treatment professional can discuss:
- Current use and possible dependence.
- Withdrawal concerns.
- Medical and mental health history.
- Available levels of care.
- Insurance benefits and estimated patient responsibility.
- Whether supervised detoxification may be appropriate.
Call 888-510-3898 to discuss available treatment options confidentially.
If you are trying to support a spouse, partner, child or another family member, read our help for a loved one guide.
If someone is in immediate physical danger, has stopped breathing or cannot be awakened, call 911. For urgent emotional or mental health support, see our crisis resources.
This page provides general information about the current legal and public-health status of kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine and related substances. It is not legal advice, medical advice, diagnosis or an individualized treatment recommendation. Laws and regulatory actions can change. Confirm current federal and state law and consult an appropriately qualified attorney or healthcare professional when necessary.
Medically reviewed by: The Recover Editorial Team
Legal-status review completed: August 27, 2026
Read our editorial standards and medical review policy.