Action targets concentrated products; region sees widespread retail availability
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has filed its intent to temporarily place synthetic 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) and three related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, following an HHS determination that the compounds have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
Two Notices of Intent were submitted July 1: one covering 7‑OH above a specified threshold, and another addressing mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM‑15, and MGM‑16. Once in effect, the temporary orders will make manufacturing, distributing, selling, or possessing these substances subject to federal criminal and civil penalties.
Federal officials say the action targets highly concentrated synthetic 7‑OH products that pose unpredictable and dangerous effects.
Botanical kratom containing naturally occurring 7‑OH below the threshold is not included.
The move carries particular relevance for readers in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina, where kratom‑adjacent products are widely sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops and throughout Horry County’s tourism corridors.
DEA laboratory findings show many commercial products contain significantly higher levels of 7‑OH than those found in botanical kratom, raising concerns for local consumers and retailers who may see certain items removed from shelves once the scheduling takes effect.
Local law‑enforcement agencies in Brunswick, Columbus, and Horry counties are expected to receive new enforcement authority and guidance as the substances become federally controlled. Public‑health officials in both states have also tracked rising use of unregulated gas‑station drugs and synthetic opioids, making the federal action part of a broader effort to curb emerging risks.
Federal officials say the scheduling decision is one component of ongoing national efforts to address synthetic opioids and protect public health.
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