TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued an emergency rule classifying 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)—a highly concentrated compound derived from the kratom plant—as a Schedule I controlled substance. The action takes effect immediately, banning the sale, possession, and distribution of isolated or concentrated 7-OH across the state.
“Due to the danger posed to the public, Florida is taking 7-OH off the shelves immediately,” Uthmeier said, noting that the compound has been actively marketed to teenagers and young adults and carries a high risk of abuse and lethal consequences.
Florida’s emergency move marks the first instance of a state banning this kratom byproduct. While kratom in its natural leaf or powder form remains unregulated at the state level, concentrated forms like tablets, gummies, drink mixes, and shots—often marketed as “wellness” supplements—are now outlawed.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, who spoke at the announcement, lauded the state’s action, stating: “Concentrated 7-OH products—which are dangerous opioids—snuck into every community in America right under our noses.”
The Florida Department of Health and local authorities have flagged a recent uptick in emergency room visits and adverse health incidents tied to 7-OH—especially among Floridians under 25, with Poison Control reporting a notable rise in exposure cases.
Medical leaders echoed the urgency. Dr. Joseph Ladapo, the State Surgeon General, stressed the threat posed by synthetic, kratom-derived opioids to public and mental health. Dr. Charles Lockwood, dean of USF Health’s Morsani College of Medicine, expressed gratitude to state leaders for acting preemptively to avert a health crisis. Dr. Cory Howard, emergency medicine specialist and medical toxicologist at Tampa General Hospital, warned that 7-OH’s potency, accessibility, and youth-oriented marketing make it especially dangerous.
As of Thursday, Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) began the enforcement efforts, requiring retailers—such as vape shops, convenience stores, and gas stations—to remove 7-OH products from their shelves (floridaphoenix.com). The new rule places 7-OH alongside notoriously dangerous and illicit substances like heroin, LSD, and fentanyl analogs—chemicals with no accepted medical purpose and high addiction risk (myfloridalegal.com).
Not everyone supports the complete ban. Paula Chavenko, representing the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART), stated that studies under HART’s guidance have shown up to a 30% reduction in opioid overdoses, suggesting a potential role for kratom when used under strict, responsible conditions. Chavenko argued that scheduling 7-OH could inhibit scientific research and responsible access, advocating instead for a regulatory framework that balances public safety with scientific inquiry and individual liberties
Florida’s latest regulatory step signals a robust effort to clamp down on synthetic kratom derivatives posing significant risks to public health—especially among young people. The emergency rule empowers law enforcement to act immediately to remove these products from the market, even as debate continues over the broader implications for research and holistic alternatives.
