HHS briefing flags synthetic kratom "7‑OH" as potent; FDA will recommend DEA review

A statement produced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and delivered by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned about a concentrated synthetic kratom compound commonly referred to as “7‑OH” and said the Food and Drug Administration plans to recommend that the Drug Enforcement Administration consider placing the compound on Schedule I.

The briefing emphasized the compound's potency and retail availability. “7 0 h is 13 times more potent than morphine,” the speaker said, and added that the FDA would be recommending a DEA review. The statement said the compound is sold in vape stores, smoke shops, convenience stores and gas stations and is being marketed in candylike forms that could appeal to children.

“Addiction typically affects about 10 percent of any population, but it becomes a national crisis when the addictive substance suddenly becomes available,” the speaker said. He described the concern as focused on the synthetic, concentrated byproduct of kratom rather than the kratom plant itself.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, speaking during the same briefing, thanked the presenter and said the announcement would put Congress “on notice.” “We have a secretary that understands addiction, and you're willing to stand up and actually take this on,” Mullin said.

The HHS-produced statement said the FDA will issue a report intended to educate physicians and parents about the risks and that the agency will recommend a DEA scheduling review. The briefing did not record any formal regulatory action taken at that event; a DEA response or formal scheduling decision would follow separate administrative processes.

The statement concluded by urging parents to speak with their children and for people to discuss concerns with their physicians.