US authorities move to restrict kratom and its derivatives

Regulatory actions against kratom and its derivatives are intensifying at both the local and federal levels in the United States. In Missoula County, Montana, the health department will prohibit the sale of kratom products in retail food businesses starting in November. Officials cited the substance's unregulated nature and its potential for addiction, noting that 29 overdose deaths in Montana between 2020 and 2025 involved kratom.

At the federal level, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced its intent to temporarily place certain concentrated kratom-derived products, specifically 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl above certain thresholds, into Schedule I. This classification is reserved for substances deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. The move is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). A formal scheduling order could be issued as early as November 13.