The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) plans to temporarily ban 7-OH, a compound derived from kratom, due to its opioid-like effects, as stated in a draft notice scheduled for publication on Monday. The proposed ban would categorize 7-OH as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, similar to heroin, and would affect products exceeding a specific threshold of the compound.
Understanding the Risks of 7-OH
The DEA claims that 7-OH presents severe risks to public health, including tolerance, dependence, and addiction. This move follows a significant rise in the production of unregulated 7-OH products, which can be far more potent than natural kratom. Kratom, a plant from Southeast Asia, is known for its analgesic and antidepressant properties when consumed in low doses.
In the past few years, the kratom industry has rallied against the synthetic version of 7-OH, which has been linked to numerous health issues. Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association, remarked, “Chemically manipulated 7-OH opioids are not kratom. They are dangerous products that exploited the reputation of natural kratom leaf.”
Political Backing and Controversy
The proposed ban has garnered support from some government officials, including President Donald Trump. In May, Trump endorsed “natural 7-OH,” indicating an intention to approve kratom's use. However, the ban's critics argue that there is no scientific basis for the DEA's action.
