SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA — MGM-15 is chemically identified as Methyl (E)-2-((2S,3S,7aS,12aR,12bS)-3-ethyl-7a-hydroxy-8-methoxy1,2,3,4,6,7,7a,12,12a,12b-decahydroindolo[2,3-a]quinolizin-2-yl)-3methoxyacrylate and is also known as dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine. MGM-16 is chemically identified as Methyl (E)-2-((2S,3S,7aS,12aR,12bS)-3-ethyl-9-fluoro-7a-hydroxy-8-methoxy1,2,3,4,6,7,7a,12,12a,12b-decahydroindolo[2,3-a]quinolizin-2-yl)-3methoxyacrylate and is also known as 9-fluorodihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine or 10-fluoro-dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine.

Timeline

On January 20, 2026, the Assistant Secretary for Health stated that the Department of Health and Human Services had no objection to the temporary placement of these substances in Schedule I. The DEA conducted a three-factor analysis dated May 2026 regarding the substances' history and current pattern of abuse, scope, duration and significance of abuse, and risk to public health.

The DEA published a notice of intent to temporarily schedule mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in the Federal Register on July 6, 2026. On August 24, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued a temporary scheduling order placing mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.

On August 24, 2026, the DEA determined that placing mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety. Also on August 24, 2026, the order imposed regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to Schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle or propose to handle these substances.

On August 24, 2026, the temporary scheduling order included isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 whenever their existence is possible. On August 24, 2026, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl was chemically identified as Methyl (E)-2-((1′S,6′S,7′S)-6′-ethyl-4-methoxy-3-oxo-3′,5′,6′,7′,8′,8a′-hexahydro2′H-spiro[indoline-2,1′-indolizine]-7′-yl)-3-methoxyacrylate.

Why It Matters

The temporary scheduling order places specific chemical compounds under strict federal control due to identified public safety risks. The order applies to mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16, along with their potential isomers, esters, ethers, and salts.

Persons who handle or propose to handle these substances are now subject to the regulatory controls and sanctions applicable to Schedule I controlled substances. The temporary nature of the order means these controls remain in effect until August 26, 2028, unless further action is taken by the agency.