The Trump administration has proposed that 7-OH, a compound derived from the Kratom plant, be classified as an illegal substance, as announced by Food and Drug Director Marty McCurry on Tuesday.
This compound, a by-product of Kratom, is often marketed as a dietary supplement that can enhance energy levels or alleviate pain. FDA officials indicated that 7-OH can attach to opioid receptors in the brain, raising concerns about its potential for addiction and abuse.
While 7-OH exists in small amounts in Kratom, the FDA is focusing on products containing higher concentrations of this compound.
McCurry stated that the agency is recommending that drug enforcement authorities classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 substance, placing it alongside drugs such as heroin and LSD.
“We have a history of public health lagging behind,” McCurry remarked. “It’s essential to prevent disasters rather than merely responding to them after they occur.”
The American Kratom Association, which represents the industry, welcomed the proposal to categorize 7-OH as a Schedule 1 substance. In a statement, the organization described this decision as a pivotal move for public health and consumer safety against synthetic products mislabeled as natural Kratom.
Earlier this month, the FDA sent warning letters to seven companies accused of illegally marketing 7-OH products as dietary supplements, claiming they aid in pain relief or anxiety management.
A health and human services official mentioned during a press briefing that there has been an unsettling uptick in addiction reports and emergency room visits linked to products containing 7-OH, which are often found in pills or mixed drinks.
However, authorities did not provide specific data on the extent of these adverse health events.
These products are typically available online or in convenience stores, gas stations, and vape shops. Officials highlighted that they are sold without any quality assurance or warnings.
“This is a recipe for disaster,” stated Jim O’Neill, the deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. He emphasized that vulnerable groups—like young people and veterans—are being misled into believing these products are safe alternatives.
Kratom’s popularity has surged as a pain relief option during the ongoing opioid crisis. Some studies estimate that around 15 million Americans use it for chronic pain or to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. In low doses, Kratom can act as a stimulant, but it can also result in drowsiness and feelings of euphoria, according to experts.
Stronger formulations of Kratom can provoke severe side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and in some cases, seizures.
This announcement by the Trump administration is part of a broader initiative to counter a potential resurgence of the opioid epidemic, according to McCurry. He added, “There’s still much we don’t understand. We might just be seeing the calm before the storm.”
In 2016, the DEA had considered scheduling Kratom compounds but withdrew the plan after facing significant opposition.
McCurry reassured that the administration is particularly focusing on synthetic and enriched forms of Kratom while responding to questions from the press about potential backlash.
