Florida’s Emergency Ban on 7-OH

What’s the Background?

Florida recently enacted an emergency rule to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)—a potent kratom-derived compound—as a Schedule I controlled substance, placing it alongside substances like heroin, LSD, and fentanyl analogs. This change took effect immediately upon filing to safeguard public health and curb misuse.
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What Does the Rule Say?

The emergency rule itself isn’t part of the current 2025 bill CS/HB 1489, which focused on broader kratom product regulation and ultimately stalled in committee. That bill aimed to establish safe manufacturing and retail standards and prevent synthetic kratom alkaloids from causing harm, but it died in the Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee on June 16, 2025.
Florida House of Representatives

Why the Sudden Action?

Officials from the Florida Attorney General’s office stated that 7-OH poses an immediate danger—it’s being marketed in youth-friendly forms like gummies, powders, and drink shots, and has a high potential for abuse and fatal overdose.
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• AG James Uthmeier emphasized that this substance is “being marketed to teens and young adults” and poses a substantial threat to public safety.
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• FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary praised the move, labeling 7-OH as an opioid that could be “more potent than morphine,” and encouraged other states to follow Florida’s lead.
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Media and Medical Perspectives

• Florida Phoenix reported that the rule was issued after the FDA sent warning letters to companies illegally marketing concentrated 7-OH products, and medical professionals began seeing users in emergency rooms, particularly among individuals under 25.
  Florida Phoenix

• CBS Miami highlighted the urgency, noting that 7-OH “acts on the same parts of the brain and is as addictive as opioids,” with AG Uthmeier calling it both highly addictive and dangerous.
  CBS News

• WEAR News shared stories from clinics treating severe withdrawal symptoms from 7-OH use—symptoms similar to or even more extreme than fentanyl withdrawal, reinforcing concerns from health professionals.
  WEAR

Mixed Reactions

Despite strong public health warnings, some groups pushed back:

• Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART) and others argue that scheduling 7-OH could hinder research and alternative addiction treatments. HART noted a 30% reduction in opioid overdoses in their studies involving controlled kratom use, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
  Florida Phoenix

• CBS Miami quoted advocates asserting there’s no confirmed death linked solely to 7-OH and argued that the scheduling decision may be political rather than evidence-based.
  CBS News

Summary Overview

Final Thoughts

Florida’s emergency ban on 7-OH illustrates how states are increasingly responsive to new, potent substances slipping quietly into the wellness and supplement markets. The immediate classification of 7-OH as Schedule I signals the severity lawmakers and health officials attribute to this concentrated kratom derivative.

While the state moves swiftly to protect minors and vulnerable populations, the decision also raises important questions about the balance between public safety and scientific evaluation. Critics argue for frameworks that allow for careful research and responsible access, rather than imposing outright bans.

Curious about how kratom leaf products are regulated separately, or want insight into how other states are tackling similar issues? I’d be happy to explore further!