The DEA is moving to temporarily classify four synthetic kratom-derived compounds as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act.
The targeted compounds are 7-hydroxymitragynine, known as 7-OH, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, known as MGPI, along with MGM-15 and MGM-16, all derived from the kratom plant.
Kratom itself is an herbal product sold legally over the counter in most U.S. states, and the proposed scheduling action would not affect the natural herbal form of the plant.
These compounds occur naturally in the Southeast Asian herb kratom, but only in miniscule trace amounts compared to the primary psychoactive compound mitragynine, which is far milder in effect.
Since around 2010, synthetically concentrated versions of these compounds have become widely available at gas stations and tobacco shops across the country.
Because they bind to the same receptors in the body as opioids, these products have earned the nickname “gas station opioids” among users and public health officials alike.
The Department of Health and Human Services has thrown its support behind the DEA’s effort, issuing its own recommendations on which concentrations of these substances should be placed in Schedule I.
Concern over public safety intensified after products containing a blend of the synthetically concentrated compounds were found near the bodies of two deceased University of Mississippi students, though a cause of death has not been determined in either case.
Experts have told reporters that the natural herbal leaf form of kratom is generally considered safe, but consumers frequently cannot tell whether they are buying the herb or a far more potent synthetic chemical derivative.
One key distinction between the two forms is that natural herbal kratom is considered self-limiting, as it has an unpleasant taste and causes gastrointestinal issues at high doses, making overconsumption less likely.
Researcher Grundmann noted that data on the toxicity of these synthetic compounds remains limited, but some evidence suggests that rising 7-OH sales have contributed to an increase in kratom-related calls to poison control centers.
Lawmakers and federal agencies appear increasingly aligned on the need to draw a clear regulatory line between traditional kratom products and the more potent synthetic extracts flooding retail shelves nationwide.
