Florida Intensifies Kratom Crackdown with New Emergency Rules Targeting Highly Concentrated 7-OH Products

Tallahassee, FL – June 24, 2026 – Florida has significantly escalated its regulatory efforts concerning kratom-related products, with Attorney General James Uthmeier signing a new emergency rule on Monday, June 22, 2026. This measure expands the state's crackdown on highly concentrated forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and several other related chemical compounds, classifying them as Schedule I controlled substances. The move aims to close loopholes exploited by manufacturers following a previous emergency rule enacted approximately a year ago.

The new emergency rule, which took immediate effect, imposes strict limits: products may not contain more than 1 milligram of the specified chemicals per gram (for solids or pills) or per milliliter (for liquids). Crucially, any product containing 7-OH or its related compounds must also possess at least 100 times more mitragynine by mass to prevent the sale of super-concentrated formulas. The compounds now explicitly covered include 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, 7-acetoxymitragynine, 9-hydroxycorynantheidine, 10-hydroxycorynantheidine, MGM-15, and MGM-16.

Why This Matters to Kratom Merchants and Consumers

This aggressive regulatory action stems from grave public safety concerns. Officials describe 7-OH as a byproduct of kratom that can be "stronger than morphine, highly addictive, and even deadly." Florida medical examiners have linked at least 587 overdose deaths to 7-OH and related chemical compounds since 2013, with Florida Poison Control reporting 95 related calls in the first four months of 2026 alone. These highly concentrated products, often marketed as gummies, tablets, drink mixes, shots, teas, and liquid extracts under brands like Hydroxy, 7Tabz, and 7-OHMZ, are widely sold in gas stations, vape shops, and online.

For consumers, this rule is intended to remove dangerous, highly potent products from the market, particularly those that may be perceived as safer alternatives but carry significant risks. For kratom merchants, the implications are immediate and severe. Continuing to sell products that violate these new concentration limits and ratios is now a felony offense, potentially leading to arrests, prosecutions, product seizures, and even business shutdowns, with penalties up to 30 years in prison.

Compliance Implications and What High-Risk Merchants Need to Know

The designation of these compounds as Schedule I substances means their manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or delivery in concentrated forms are illegal in Florida. This demands immediate action from all merchants operating in the state. Any products containing the newly restricted alkaloids must be pulled from shelves if they do not meet the stringent new thresholds.

For high-risk merchants, robust regulatory compliance is no longer optional—it's critical for survival. This latest Florida action underscores the absolute necessity of:

Rigorous Third-Party Lab Testing: Merchants must ensure all kratom products undergo comprehensive third-party lab testing. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are paramount and must explicitly detail the concentrations of all listed compounds (7-OH, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, 7-acetoxymitragynine, 9-hydroxycorynantheidine, 10-hydroxycorynantheidine, MGM-15, MGM-16) and, crucially, the mitragynine content. The COA must verify that products adhere to both the 1mg/gram (or ml) limit for the restricted alkaloids and the 100x mitragynine-to-7-OH ratio.
Understanding and Adapting to State-Specific Regulations: Florida’s ongoing efforts highlight the patchwork of kratom regulations across the U.S. Merchants must stay constantly informed about state and local laws, as they can change rapidly and carry severe penalties.
Comprehensive Compliance Framework: Beyond lab testing, this situation reinforces the broader call for comprehensive regulation, including age restrictions, child-resistant packaging, clear and accurate labeling, dosage limits, and mechanisms for adverse event reporting. Merchants should proactively implement these best practices to mitigate risk and demonstrate a commitment to consumer safety.

While Florida's focus is currently on highly concentrated 7-OH products, the broader conversation about comprehensive kratom regulation continues. Merchants must prioritize transparency, accurate product information, and strict adherence to all legal requirements to navigate this evolving landscape successfully.