HHS recommends science-based thresholds to target dangerous enhanced kratom products

On October 9, 2026, HHS transmitted new science-based thresholds to the DEA for temporarily scheduling 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI) under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The recommendation targets enhanced kratom products that exceed 1 mg/g (solid) or 1 mg/mL (liquid), or where the ratio of mitragynine to 7-OH/MGPI is less than 100:1 — while preserving access to natural botanical kratom, which contains only trace amounts of these compounds. HHS Secretary RFK Jr. stated the agency "followed the science" without sweeping traditional kratom into Schedule I. The DEA subsequently issued new Notices of Intent reflecting HHS's updated analysis.

Claims

• ▪7-OH is two to nine times as potent as morphine based on FDA preclinical review
• ▪R Street Institute argues the 7-OH threshold lacks an established human dose-response link
• ▪HHS recommended thresholds for 7-OH and MGPI distinguish enhanced kratom from natural botanical kratom