A little over a month ago, the federal government moved toward placing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine—better known as 7-OH—into Schedule I. The federal comment period has now closed, but state and local governments have not waited for a final decision.
North Dakota came within one vote of banning kratom entirely before adopting a narrower law that bans synthetic kratom products, limits natural kratom to adults 21 and older, and establishes labeling and licensing requirements. Massachusetts has taken a broader approach to kratom products, while California has removed thousands of kratom and 7-OH products from stores—yet acknowledges that online sellers remain difficult to reach.
In Episode 71, Dr. Suzette Glasner examines:
• Where the federal 7-OH scheduling process currently stands• Why Schedule I restrictions could impact scientific research• The difference between concentrated 7-OH products and natural kratom leaf• Why North Dakota rejected a total kratom ban• How Massachusetts and California are approaching enforcement• Why “natural” kratom should not automatically be considered harmless
You can watch the full episode here:
Dr. Suzette Glasner is a licensed clinical psychologist and addiction scientist at UCLA who studies addiction, mental health and digitally delivered behavioral healthcare.
KEY SOURCES
Federal 7-OH scheduling and public-comment process:https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/26/2026-17409/hydroxymitragynine-above-a-specified-threshold-in-schedule-i-extension-of-comment-period
North Dakota legislation:https://www.nd.gov/news/armstrong-signs-bill-banning-synthetic-kratom-restricting-natural-kratom-21-and-older
Kratom use disorder research:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38441236/
RESOURCES
If you are experiencing tolerance, withdrawal, cravings or difficulty controlling your use of kratom or 7-OH, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional.
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
Find treatment:
https://findtreatment.gov
Naloxone information:https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222https://www.poison.org
For an immediate mental-health or substance-related crisis, call or text 988. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
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This episode is for educational purposes and is not individualized medical advice.
#Kratom #7OH #AddictionScience #DrugPolicy #MentalHealth
