Published: 10/16/2026 | Author: Eric Owens

Federal regulators are tightening the legal status of compounds made from kratom. These changes are already ushering new patients through clinic doors. The DEA temporarily categorized mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), MGM-15, and MGM-16 into Schedule 1 as of August 26, 2026, due to a rapid rise in poisonings, addiction and overdose deaths. 

The Opioid Crisis Takes a Turn

Deaths involving opioids drive the overdose crisis and it’s growing. Toxicology has found synthetic kratom derivatives and adulterated products in an increasing share of nonfatal and fatal overdoses. Poison control centers have seen a steep climb in kratom exposures ever since these products started spreading through gas stations and vape shops.

The DEA’s stats drew tens of thousands of public comments during the first comment window in July.

What’s Driving the Crackdown

7-OH and its synthetic relatives act on opioid receptors to relieve pain and produce euphoria. But doing so can cause addiction. Products marketed as kratom vapes, gummies and extracts often contain more powerful concentrations than the actual leaf.

States haven’t taken a uniform action. In Michigan, the state House wants to ban 7-OH but the state Senate hasn’t taken it up, leaving a patchwork of local rules. Dr. Eliza Hutchinson of Packard Health Clinic in Ann Arbor began seeing a wave of patients. 

Patients started 7-OH or kratom for pain but couldn’t stop. Local inpatient centers and Narcotics Anonymous chapters have welcomed folks who take kratom, but the crisis continues.

7-OH and Synthetic Opioids

7-hydroxymitragynine is a potentially deadly metabolite of kratom’s main alkaloid, mitragynine. Synthetic versions such as mitragynine pseudoindoxyl are stronger. They impact the same receptors as opioids do, so they respond to the same meds like buprenorphine.

But there’s a catch. If 7-OH disappears without accessible treatment, some users might move to harder drugs like fentanyl.

Harm Reduction Works

Nevertheless, here are some harm reduction steps:

• Naloxone can reverse some effects of an overdose, but not seizures or liver failure. Call 911 in any suspected overdose and tell responders what was taken.

• Don’t mix kratom with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives.

• Tapering under medical supervision is safer than quitting high-dose use cold turkey.

NA Still a Top Option

Treatment for kratom and 7-OH works and peer support can guide you. NA meetings welcome people recovering from any narcotic, and many groups now count kratom among them. 

Feel free to start anytime by consulting our directory to find local NA chapters anywhere in the USA. You can also dial 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to speak with an expert and look at local options.