Current Status
Is 7-OH Scheduled by the DEA?
As of July 6, 2026, the DEA has published a notice of intent to temporarily place 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly called 7-OH, above a specified threshold into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The temporary scheduling order has not taken effect yet. The Federal Register notice says the order will not be issued before August 5, 2026.
This is a major change from the earlier status. In July 2025, the FDA recommended federal scheduling action for concentrated 7-OH products. On July 1, 2026, the DEA announced that it had filed notices of intent. On July 6, 2026, the Federal Register published the DEA notice and a related HHS request for information.
The short version: concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products are now on a clear path toward temporary Schedule I control, but the rule is still in the notice period as of July 6, 2026.
What the Notice Covers
The DEA Threshold Matters
The DEA notice does not describe a blanket federal ban on every kratom leaf product. The notice targets 7-OH above a specified threshold. The related HHS request for information summarizes the DEA threshold as follows:
- Botanical kratom material containing more than 0.050 percent 7-OH on a dry weight basis.
- Synthetic material containing more than 0.050 percent 7-OH by weight, volume, or weight/volume, or more than 1.00 milligram of 7-OH in the article.
- Kratom-derived extracts, concentrates, processed edibles, or pressed pills above that percentage threshold or above 1.00 milligram of 7-OH in the article.
The DEA press release says the action does not apply to botanical kratom products with naturally occurring 7-OH below the specified threshold. It instead targets synthesized products and products with elevated 7-OH concentrations.
Schedule I Meaning
What Would Schedule I Mean?
Schedule I is the strictest category under the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA describes Schedule I substances as having a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
Once a temporary scheduling order takes effect, manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, research, importation, and exportation of covered 7-OH substances become subject to the Controlled Substances Act's criminal, civil, and administrative rules. The temporary order would last two years, with a possible one-year extension while permanent scheduling is considered.
This page is educational, not legal advice. Anyone selling, possessing, researching, or manufacturing products that may contain 7-OH should consult qualified legal counsel and read the current Federal Register notices directly.
Why Regulators Acted
Why 7-OH Became a Federal Target
7-OH occurs naturally in kratom leaf only in trace amounts, but concentrated products changed the risk profile. FDA warning letters in July 2025 focused on products containing added or enhanced 7-OH, including tablets, gummies, drink mixes, and shots. The FDA stated that 7-OH is not a lawful dietary supplement ingredient, cannot lawfully be added to conventional foods, and is not contained in any FDA-approved drug.
The DEA notice describes 7-OH as a potent opioid-like substance associated with abuse, dependence, and overdose reports. The agency emphasized product uncertainty: users may not know the true dose, concentration, purity, or combination of opioid-like alkaloids in a tablet, extract, gummy, or drink.
Kratom Distinction
Natural Kratom Leaf Is Not the Same as Concentrated 7-OH
Kratom and 7-OH are often discussed together, but they should not be treated as the same exposure. Plain kratom leaf contains multiple alkaloids, with 7-OH generally present only at low natural levels. Concentrated 7-OH tablets, shots, gummies, and enhanced extracts are different because the opioid-active compound has been elevated or added.
That distinction does not make kratom risk-free. Kratom products remain unapproved by the FDA, quality varies widely, and regular use can lead to opioid-type physical dependence and withdrawal. But the 2026 DEA notice is specifically focused on 7-OH above the stated threshold, not every botanical kratom product below that threshold.
For the broader dependence and withdrawal picture, read the kratom guide.
Health Risks
What Users and Families Should Know
Products marketed as 7-OH, extra-strength kratom, enhanced extracts, or opioid-like kratom tablets should be treated as high-risk opioid exposures. Dependence can develop quickly. Withdrawal can look like opioid withdrawal: sweating, chills, runny nose, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and cravings.
Overdose should be treated as a medical emergency. If a person is unresponsive, breathing slowly, turning blue or gray, or making gurgling sounds, call 911 and give naloxone if available. Naloxone can reverse opioid overdose, but emergency care is still needed because products may contain multiple substances and naloxone can wear off.
People using 7-OH to self-manage pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal should speak with a medical professional rather than increasing dose or switching products. A legal product label does not guarantee safety, dose accuracy, or freedom from opioid dependence.
What to Watch Next
Key Dates and Updates
- July 15, 2025: FDA announced warning letters to companies marketing products containing 7-OH.
- July 29, 2025: FDA announced steps to restrict 7-OH opioid products and recommended scheduling action.
- July 1, 2026: DEA announced that it filed notices of intent for temporary Schedule I placement.
- July 6, 2026: Federal Register published the DEA notice and HHS request for information.
- July 31, 2026: HHS request for information comment period is scheduled to close.
- August 5, 2026 or later: DEA may issue the temporary scheduling order.
Because this is a live regulatory process, the status can change. This page should be rechecked after August 5, 2026 and whenever the DEA publishes a final temporary order or permanent scheduling action.
Common Questions
7-OH DEA Schedule FAQ
Is 7-OH federally illegal right now?
As of July 6, 2026, the DEA has published a notice of intent to temporarily schedule 7-OH above a specified threshold, but the temporary order has not taken effect. The notice says the order will not be issued before August 5, 2026. State laws may already restrict kratom or 7-OH products.
Does the DEA notice ban kratom?
The DEA says the temporary scheduling action does not apply to botanical kratom products that contain naturally occurring 7-OH below the specified threshold. The notice targets synthetic 7-OH and products with elevated 7-OH concentrations.
What is the DEA 7-OH threshold?
The threshold includes botanical kratom material with more than 0.050 percent 7-OH on a dry weight basis. For synthetic or alternative articles, the notice describes more than 0.050 percent by weight, volume, or weight/volume, or more than 1.00 milligram of 7-OH in the article.
Why is 7-OH being treated differently from plain kratom leaf?
7-OH is a potent opioid-active alkaloid. Natural kratom leaf contains it only in trace amounts, while newer tablets, gummies, shots, and extracts can contain added or enhanced 7-OH. Regulators are focused on the higher potency and unpredictable dosing of those products.
Can 7-OH cause withdrawal?
Yes. 7-OH acts on opioid receptors and can produce opioid-type physical dependence and withdrawal. Heavy or frequent use can lead to symptoms similar to other opioid withdrawal syndromes.
What should someone do if they are dependent on 7-OH?
Do not assume a supplement-style product can be stopped safely without support. A clinician can evaluate opioid dependence, other substance use, medical risks, and treatment options. For treatment referral help, SAMHSA's National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-4357.
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