DEA Moves to Temporarily Ban Kratom Compound 7-Hydroxymitragynine

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced plans to temporarily classify 7-hydroxymitragynine, an opioid-like compound derived from the kratom plant, as a controlled substance. The compound, sometimes referred to as 'gas station heroin,' is found in certain kratom-based products sold widely in convenience stores and online. The temporary scheduling would effectively ban the substance at the federal level while a fuller review is conducted. The move is seen as a win for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) health movement as well as for mainstream kratom industry players who favor regulating more potent derivatives. The decision draws a distinction between the isolated compound and traditional kratom products, which would not be directly affected by the ban.