Urgent: Federal HHS Action Nears on 7-OH Schedule I Classification, Threatening Kratom Product Sales
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is closing comments on a potential federal Schedule I classification for 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a key kratom alkaloid. A Schedule I designation would likely trigger an immediate shutdown of payment processing and banking services for any products containing 7-OH above the proposed threshold. Merchants should prepare for potential federal restrictions impacting the sale and shipping of products containing 7-OH, leading to significant inventory and logistics challenges.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is imminently closing comments tonight at 11:59 PM on its notice, "Temporary Placement of 7-Hydroxymitragynine Above a Specified Threshold in Schedule I; Request for Information." This notice seeks scientific evidence regarding the allowable threshold of 7-OH in kratom products. However, the majority of the nearly 30,000 comments submitted, alongside a Change.org petition with nearly 60,000 signatures organized by the 7-Hope Alliance, express strong opposition to a Schedule I status.
Prominent figures like documentary filmmaker Hamilton Morris and Columbia University psychologist/neuroscientist Carl Hart have publicly spoken against prohibition. Morris emphasized that prohibition is an ineffective control strategy that exacerbates harms and interferes with valuable scientific research. Hart criticized selective advocacy for certain substances over others. The potential Schedule I placement of 7-OH, a significant alkaloid in kratom, poses a critical threat to the industry.
Source: Kratom Science via Sentinel Newsroom
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