7-OH Ban Urged by FDA and AKA: What Merchants Need to Know

🚨 Key Takeaways

• FDA and HHS recommend classifying 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance.
• American Kratom Association urges state attorneys general to take enforcement action now.
• 7-OH is a synthetic opioid — not natural kratom leaf — and poses major public health risks.
• Some manufacturers are openly encouraging distributors to ignore the ban and “watch sales soar.”

Why 7-OH Is Being Banned

7-OH, or 7-hydroxymitragynine, is a semi-synthetic compound derived from kratom. It binds to opioid receptors and is more potent than morphine. The FDA confirmed that 7-OH can cause respiratory depression, dependency, and overdose — and it’s being sold over the counter, often without proper warning or dosage instructions.

AKA and FDA Speak Out

“Let’s be clear: 7-OH is not kratom,” said Mac Haddow of the American Kratom Association. “These are designer opioids hijacking kratom’s reputation.” The FDA echoed this by emphasizing they are not targeting the kratom leaf itself — only the concentrated synthetic 7-OH compounds.

KCPA Enforcement Is Already Possible

States that have passed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act can already seize products and shut down 7-OH sales using existing laws. The AKA urges attorneys general to launch investigations, test products, and issue public alerts now — not later.

Kratom vs. 7-OH: What’s the Difference?

Experts compare kratom leaf to light beer — mildly active and manageable. 7-OH extracts, by contrast, are like Everclear: dangerously strong. The kratom plant naturally contains trace amounts of 7-OH, but once synthesized or concentrated, the compound becomes an unregulated opioid.

What Merchants Should Do Now

• Immediately remove 7-OH-labeled products or synthetic concentrates from inventory.
• Only sell natural kratom leaf or safe, mitragynine-only extracts.
• Review your supplier chain to ensure no mislabeled or deceptive products are being sold under your brand.

High Wire Payments Is Not Shutting Down Kratom Merchants

If your business sells compliant kratom, mitragynine extracts, or botanical products, you’re still eligible for credit card processing through our banking partners.