DEA bans sale and possession of 7-OH, scheduling kratom compound as Schedule I for 2 years

The DEA has abruptly banned the sale and possession of 7-OH, a compound found in kratom, by scheduling it as a Schedule I substance for two years. This move has sent shockwaves through the kratom industry, with at least one Missouri company forced to destroy $10 million in products. The DEA's action follows a pattern of increasing regulation on opioid compounds, aiming to curb their availability and address addiction concerns. The ban has sparked immediate legal pushback.

A kratom advocacy group has filed a lawsuit against the government, arguing that the ban threatens the market and the livelihoods of those involved in the kratom industry. The lawsuit seeks to challenge the DEA's authority to impose such a ban without sufficient scientific evidence or public consultation. Meanwhile, medical professionals and addiction care providers are assessing the impact on treatment options and patient care. The kratom industry faces an uncertain future.

The DEA's scheduling of 7-OH as a Schedule I substance means it is now classified alongside drugs like heroin and LSD, making its possession and sale illegal under federal law. The lawsuit filed by the kratom group could potentially delay or overturn the ban, but the outcome remains uncertain. Businesses and consumers alike are left in limbo, awaiting further developments in the legal battle.