U.S. Department of Justice bans three kratom derivatives

The U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration have emergency-scheduled three potent kratom-derived compounds as Schedule I substances. The compounds—mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), MGM-15, and MGM-16—are classified as having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This emergency designation is set to last for two years.

Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the action targets manufactured and concentrated opioid products rather than traditional botanical kratom. The DOJ noted that MGPI, for instance, can be up to 20 times stronger than morphine. While the ban targets these specific derivatives, the DOJ indicated it would use enforcement discretion regarding incidental trace amounts of MGPI found in botanical products.

At the state level, various jurisdictions are implementing their own restrictions. In Iowa, officials warned of rising dangers following 45 kratom-associated deaths since 2024. In Albany County, New York, an emergency public health order has gone into effect, mandating that businesses remove kratom from shelves or face fines. Meanwhile, Montana legislators are considering broader bans to regulate the industry.