Kratom and products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) have received increasing attention from public health professionals, lawmakers, and people who use these products. On July 1, 2026, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced its intent to temporarily place 7-OH and three related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
The announcement represents a significant change in how certain high-potency 7-OH products may be regulated in the United States. However, it is important to understand what is—and is not—being scheduled.
The kratom plant itself is not being placed into Schedule I under this action. Instead, the DEA is targeting 7-OH above specified concentration thresholds, as well as three related substances: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15), and 9-fluoro-dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-16).
For people who regularly use kratom or concentrated 7-OH products, the policy change could have important implications for product availability, withdrawal, substance use, and access to treatment.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant native to parts of Southeast Asia. It is related to the coffee plant and has traditionally been used for medicinal and cultural purposes.
Kratom products are commonly available in several forms, including:
- Powders
- Capsules and tablets
- Teas
- Gummies
- Extracts
- Concentrated liquids
- Other processed products
Kratom contains numerous naturally occurring compounds. Two of the most studied are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
The effects of kratom can vary depending on the dose and product. Lower doses may produce more stimulant-like effects, while higher doses can produce sedating and opioid-like effects.
What Is 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)?
7-OH is one of the compounds associated with kratom. Although it occurs naturally in the plant, it is present in relatively small amounts in ordinary kratom leaves.
Some commercial products, however, contain concentrated levels of 7-OH. Certain products are manufactured or processed specifically to increase the amount of 7-OH available to the consumer.
This distinction is important because traditional kratom products and concentrated 7-OH products are not necessarily the same thing.
7-OH interacts with mu-opioid receptors, the same receptor system affected by traditional opioids. Research indicates that 7-OH can produce opioid-like effects, including pain relief and sedation.
Research also suggests that 7-OH can cause respiratory depression, which is a potentially life-threatening effect associated with opioid overdose. Unlike traditional opioid medications, however, kratom and its compounds have not been studied as extensively, and there is still much to learn about their long-term effects.
What Did the DEA Announce?
On July 1, 2026, the DEA announced its intent to temporarily place certain 7-OH products and three related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
The substances identified include:
- 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) above specified thresholds
- Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP)
- Dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15)
- 9-fluoro-dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-16)
For kratom plant material, the proposed threshold is 0.05% 7-OH. Certain processed products, such as extracts, concentrates, processed edibles, and pressed pills, are subject to a threshold of 0.05% 7-OH or 1 milligram of 7-OH in the article.
The three related substances would not be subject to the same concentration threshold.
The DEA’s temporary scheduling authority allows certain substances to be placed into Schedule I when the agency determines that doing so is necessary to address an imminent hazard to public safety.
Does This Mean Kratom Is Now Illegal?
Not exactly.
One of the most important things for consumers to understand is that the DEA action does not automatically classify the entire kratom plant as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Instead, the action focuses on 7-OH above specified thresholds and three related compounds.
The legal status of kratom can also vary depending on state and local laws. Some states and municipalities have enacted their own regulations concerning kratom products.
Because federal and state laws can change, consumers should not assume that a product is legal simply because it is currently available for purchase.
What Does This Mean for Gas Stations, Smoke Shops, and Convenience Stores?
Kratom and concentrated 7-OH products have become widely available outside traditional healthcare settings. Consumers may encounter these products in:
- Gas stations
- Smoke shops
- Convenience stores
- Specialty retailers
- Online stores
High-potency products containing 7-OH above the federal thresholds targeted by the DEA would no longer be permitted to be sold as ordinary consumer products once the federal scheduling takes effect.
This could significantly change the retail landscape for 7-OH products.
However, it is important to distinguish between 7-OH products covered by the scheduling action and kratom products that fall below the specified thresholds.
The policy change does not mean that every kratom product will automatically disappear from every retail location.
Why Is This Important for People Who Use Kratom?
For many people, the change may simply mean that certain products become more difficult or impossible to purchase through their usual retail sources.
For others, the impact could be much more significant.
Some people use kratom or concentrated 7-OH products regularly and may develop tolerance, physical dependence, cravings, or withdrawal symptoms.
When someone who has developed dependence suddenly loses access to a substance, stopping can be difficult—even when they want to stop.
Potential withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Irritability or anxiety
- Restlessness
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Sleep difficulties
- Sweating
- Nausea or gastrointestinal symptoms
- Cravings
- Changes in mood
The experience of withdrawal can vary significantly depending on the person, product, dose, frequency of use, and duration of use.
Could Reduced Access Create New Risks?
Reducing access to high-potency products may reduce exposure to potentially dangerous substances. At the same time, policy changes alone do not treat substance dependence.
A person who has developed dependence may respond to reduced availability in different ways.
Some individuals may seek products through unregulated sources. Others may attempt to manage withdrawal without medical support. Some may turn to other substances that they believe will relieve withdrawal or cravings.
For people with a history of opioid use, this can be particularly important.
A major public health consideration is making sure that people affected by changes in kratom and 7-OH availability can access nonjudgmental, evidence-informed treatment and recovery support.
Can Kratom Cause a Substance Use Disorder?
Yes. Although kratom comes from a plant and is sometimes marketed as a natural product, regular use can lead to physical dependence and problematic patterns of use in some individuals.
It is important not to assume that everyone who uses kratom has a substance use disorder. Many people use kratom without developing significant problems.
However, warning signs may include:
- Using more than intended
- Increasing the amount or frequency of use
- Experiencing cravings
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences
- Spending significant time obtaining or using the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal when attempting to stop
- Feeling unable to reduce or stop use
- Using kratom primarily to avoid withdrawal symptoms
If these experiences sound familiar, speaking with a qualified substance use professional can be an important first step.
What Does the Research Say About Treatment?
Research on kratom use disorder is still developing.
This is particularly important when discussing medications such as methadone and buprenorphine.
There are currently no randomized controlled trials directly evaluating methadone or buprenorphine specifically for kratom use disorder. Clinical evidence regarding these medications for kratom dependence currently comes primarily from case reports, case series, and other emerging clinical literature.
Some recent clinical reports have described the use of medications for opioid use disorder in people experiencing significant kratom dependence. However, these findings should not be interpreted as proof that methadone or buprenorphine are appropriate for everyone who uses kratom.
Treatment decisions should be based on an individual’s substance use history, current symptoms, medical needs, risk factors, treatment goals, and clinical assessment.
More research is needed to determine the safest and most effective approaches for treating kratom use disorder.
What Can Treatment Look Like?
Treatment for problematic kratom use should be individualized and person-centered.
Depending on the individual’s needs, treatment may include:
Individual Counseling
Counseling can help individuals understand their patterns of use, identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and address the reasons they may have relied on kratom.
Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) can be useful components of substance use treatment.
Withdrawal and Relapse Prevention
Treatment can help individuals prepare for withdrawal and develop strategies for managing cravings and high-risk situations.
A clinician can also help determine whether a higher level of care or medical evaluation is appropriate.
Medication-Based Treatment
For some individuals, medication may be an appropriate component of treatment.
When someone has a co-occurring opioid use disorder or significant opioid-related symptoms, medications such as buprenorphine or methadone may be considered by qualified medical professionals.
However, treatment for kratom use should not automatically be treated as identical to treatment for traditional opioid use disorder. The research base is different, and medication decisions require individualized clinical assessment.
Recovery Support
Recovery support can help individuals build a stable support system and address factors that may contribute to substance use.
Treatment may also involve case management, mental health services, peer recovery support, and referrals to additional community resources.
What Should People Do If They Are Currently Using 7-OH or Kratom?
If you regularly use kratom or concentrated 7-OH products, do not assume that you need to stop abruptly simply because regulations are changing.
If you are physically dependent, suddenly stopping can result in withdrawal.
Instead, consider talking with a healthcare or substance use professional about your individual situation.
A provider can help you:
- Understand your current pattern of use
- Identify signs of dependence
- Discuss withdrawal concerns
- Evaluate co-occurring substance use or mental health concerns
- Develop a safer treatment plan
- Determine whether medication-based treatment may be appropriate
- Connect you with ongoing recovery support
Seeking help does not mean you have failed. Substance dependence is a health concern, and treatment is available.
How New Brunswick Counseling Center Can Help
At New Brunswick Counseling Center (NBCC), we provide substance use and mental health treatment in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
Our goal is not simply to tell people to stop using a substance. We work with individuals to understand why they are using, what they need to change, and what support can help them move toward recovery.
Depending on individual needs, services may include:
- Substance use assessments
- Individual counseling
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Medication-based treatment when clinically appropriate
- Mental health services
- Case management
- Recovery support
- Relapse prevention
- Harm reduction education
If you are concerned about your own kratom or 7-OH use—or worried about someone you care about—reaching out for an assessment can help you understand your options.
The Bottom Line
The DEA’s 2026 action represents an important change in the federal regulation of 7-OH and certain related substances, but it does not mean that the kratom plant itself has been placed into Schedule I.
For high-potency 7-OH products that fall under the new federal restrictions, access through common retail locations such as gas stations, smoke shops, convenience stores, and online sellers may change significantly.
For people who have developed dependence, however, the issue is bigger than product availability.
When access changes, treatment access matters.
People struggling with kratom or 7-OH use deserve accurate information, compassionate care, and evidence-informed treatment—not stigma.
If you or someone you know is struggling with kratom, 7-OH, or another substance, New Brunswick Counseling Center is here to help.
Recovery is possible, and asking for help is a step forward.
Sources and Further Reading
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration — Temporary scheduling notices for 7-OH and related substances
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Kratom research and health information
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Information and safety concerns regarding kratom and 7-OH
- Congressional Research Service — Legal framework surrounding controlled substance scheduling