Urgent Federal Alert: HHS Nears Decision on 7-OH Mitragynine Schedule I Placement

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is closing comments tonight at 11:59 PM on the notice concerning the “Temporary Placement of 7-Hydroxymitragynine Above a Specified Threshold in Schedule I; Request for Information.” This action signals potential federal prohibition for 7-OH, an alkaloid found in kratom.

Despite the notice asking for scientific evidence on allowable 7-OH thresholds, nearly 30,000 comments and a 60,000-signature petition have focused on opposing Schedule I status. Prominent figures like documentary filmmaker Hamilton Morris and Columbia University neuroscientist Carl Hart have publicly spoken against prohibition, arguing it exacerbates harms and stifles valuable scientific research.

The 'So What?' for Merchants:

• The public comment period for a potential federal Schedule I placement of 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is closing, signaling imminent federal action that could classify it as an illegal substance.
• If 7-OH is scheduled, merchants selling kratom products containing or perceived to contain this alkaloid face severe risks, including immediate payment processor account closures and banking instability.
• A federal Schedule I classification would prohibit the interstate shipping and sale of products containing 7-OH, requiring immediate inventory review and potential product recalls.

Source: Kratom Science via Sentinel Newsroom