DEA Moves to Classify 7-OH as Schedule I Drug After July 31 Comment Deadline
Updated
Updated · MinnPost · Aug 13
DEA Moves to Classify 7-OH as Schedule I Drug After July 31 Comment Deadline
3 articles · Updated · MinnPost · Aug 13
Summary
7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, is headed for temporary federal Schedule I status after the DEA announced the move last month and closed public comments on July 31.
7-OH is a kratom-derived compound found only in small amounts in the natural plant but sold in extracted form as a far more potent product that binds to opioid receptors and can drive dependence, withdrawal and overdose.
Minnesota already tightened access on Aug. 1 by raising the legal age for buying and possessing kratom and 7-OH to 21, though broader regulation still varies widely by state.
Tens of thousands of comments opposed an outright ban, and addiction providers warn a sudden crackdown without transition plans could push dependent users into severe withdrawal or toward illicit opioids such as fentanyl.