(The Center Square) – Two months after President Donald Trump said his administration was looking "very seriously" at approving "natural 7-OH," the Drug Enforcement Administration moved Wednesday to place the substance into Schedule I as a controlled opioid.
7-OH, or 7-hydroxymitragynine, is a psychoactive compound in the kratom plant, sold in gas stations and smoke shops as tablets, gummies and drink mixes.
The designation would subject anyone who makes, distributes or sells 7-OH above the threshold to the same federal criminal, civil and administrative penalties as heroin or LSD – enforcement DEA would carry out for up to two years under existing agency budget and staffing.
Trump made the comment May 11 in the Oval Office during a maternal health event, telling reporters, "We're looking very seriously at natural 7-OH and getting that approved."
The notice of intent DEA filed Wednesday would place 7-OH above a specified threshold into Schedule I, including botanical kratom material, not just synthetic products. The threshold covers kratom exceeding 0.050% 7-OH by dry weight, with no exception for natural products.
"7-OH, MP, MGM-15, and MGM-16 are dangerous opioids that fuel addiction and put American lives at risk," HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said the action targets "highly concentrated, synthetic 7-OH products."
DEA filed two notices of intent with the Federal Register Wednesday; both publish July 6. HHS opened a public comment period on the threshold through July 31. DEA can issue a final temporary order 30 days after publication, effective for two years.
DEA cited 165 poison control exposure cases involving 7-OH from January through July 2025, with 35% resulting in serious health problems. Nine states have already banned 7-OH outright; four more cap its concentration.
The action follows FDA warning letters to seven companies selling 7-OH products in July 2025 and a December 2025 seizure of about $1 million worth of 7-OH products from three Missouri firms.