The Drug Enforcement Administration announced Tuesday that three semisynthetic kratom‑derived compounds have been placed in Schedule I, the same category reserved for heroin, LSD and cannabis. The emergency scheduling will last for two years while the Justice Department evaluates the risk these substances pose to the nation’s children and families.
What the compounds are
The substances are mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI) and two related derivatives, MGM‑15 and MGM‑16. All are chemically altered forms of 7‑hydroxymitragynine, a potent alkaloid that can be produced when natural kratom is processed. While MGPI is already found in some consumer products, MGM‑16 has not yet been confirmed in the market, but officials acted preemptively to prevent its emergence as a substitute.
Why the DEA acted
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department is moving before these “dangerous compounds become a broader threat.” The agency cited animal studies showing opioid‑like effects and growing reports from clinicians of increasing dependence cases. Dr. Myles Jen Kin, a board‑certified addiction specialist, noted his clinic’s weekly encounters with kratom‑related patients rose from one to roughly ten in the past year.
Impact on users and research
Physicians warn that abrupt cessation can trigger severe withdrawal, urging anyone experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical care. The Schedule I classification also restricts research on any potential medicinal value the compounds might have, a point raised by Dr. Caleb Banta‑Green of the University of Washington.
Background on kratom
Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia. It contains over 40 alkaloids, the most prominent being mitragynine, which can convert to 7‑hydroxymitragynine during processing. Both natural kratom and its semisynthetic derivatives bind to the brain’s mu‑opioid receptors, producing effects that range from mild stimulation to opioid‑like sedation.
Unlike prescription drugs, natural kratom is not federally regulated and cannot be legally added to conventional foods. The FDA has warned that kratom qualifies as an opioid and discourages its consumption.
State actions
Prior to the federal move, several states—including Florida, Ohio, Kentucky and California—had already classified semisynthetic 7‑OH compounds as Schedule I or imposed restrictions. Natural kratom remains regulated in at least 22 states and banned outright in eight, such as Alabama and Vermont.
The DEA’s temporary scheduling is intended to protect communities while the Department of Health and Human Services continues its public‑comment period on a permanent classification for 7‑OH substances.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
