The Drug Enforcement Administration announced plans to temporarily ban 7-OH, a component of kratom with opioid-like effects, by classifying it as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This action targets products exceeding a specific threshold of 7-OH.

The DEA's proposed temporary ban would last for two years, with a potential extension for a third year. The agency stated that 7-OH "presents severe risks to public health, including tolerance, dependence and addiction." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also describes 7-OH, formally known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine, as "a potent opioid by design."

7-OH products are often sold in gas stations, smoke shops, vape shops, and convenience stores in forms such as gummies, drinks, and capsules. These items are frequently packaged in bright colors and sweet flavors, and are sometimes falsely marketed as kratom. Natural kratom, a Southeast Asian plant, contains only trace amounts of 7-OH and has analgesic and antidepressant properties in low doses, activating mu-opioid receptors in the brain.

Mac Haddow, a senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association, addressed the DEA's action. Haddow said, "This DEA action should end the debate." He further stated, "Chemically manipulated 7-OH opioids are not kratom."

The ban would take effect following a 30-day public comment period. The DEA is also taking action against other synthetic opioids and 7-OH derivatives. In 2023, Botanic Tonics underwent a federal raid, and the FDA noted a lack of information regarding whether kratom, marketed as a dietary supplement, posed "a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury." An LLC associated with Feel Free provided $500,000 to the MAHA PAC months after the Department of Justice ended its case against Botanic Tonics.