The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced today that 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and three related synthetic drugs, pseudoindoxyl, MGM15 and MGM16, are being officially placed on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This scheduling decision aligns regulation with science, a move Botanicals for Better Health and Wellness (BBHW) strongly supports.

“The DEA’s decision to schedule 7-OH and three related drugs sends a clear message to both U.S. consumers and industry actors: harmful unapproved drugs masquerading as natural botanicals undermines consumer safety, health, and trust and will not be tolerated,” said Sheldon Bradshaw, BBHW’s General Counsel.

The DEA and Health and Human Services (HHS) should also be commended for preserving consumer access to natural kratom and for specifically stating that today’s actions are not intended to regulate natural botanical kratom, which does not contain enhanced levels of 7-OH.

About BBHW

Botanicals for Better Health & Wellness (BBHW) is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of botanical substances and advocating for evidence-based public health policy. BBHW works with researchers, policymakers, and industry partners to ensure that regulation of botanical products is grounded in science, protects consumers, and preserves responsible adult access to natural wellness solutions. For more information, visit www.bbhw.org.

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