Senator Marshall Sends Letter to DEA Asking for Swift Action on Dangerous 7-OH Substances

Washington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), sent a letter to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrence Cole, asking him to take action and emergency schedule 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), and related products, as Schedule I controlled substances.

The pseudoindoxyl metabolite of 7-OH (7-OHS), along with the compounds MGM-15 and MGM-16, is being falsely marketed as “kratom extracts” and poses significant dangers to consumers, as 7-OH is approximately 13 times more potent than morphine.

In his letter to DEA Administrator Cole, Senator Marshall wrote:

“By exploiting regulatory gaps and flooding communities with synthetic compounds, the manufacturers of these substances are contributing to a potential fourth wave of the opioid epidemic. Marketed as ‘natural’ supplements despite their high addiction potential, these substances are dangerously operating in an unregulated market.”

“The DEA has the authority under the Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to act swiftly by temporarily scheduling 7-hydroxymitragynine products and their analogues. Delaying action risks the proliferation of distribution networks and more victims.

“Congress stands ready to provide legislative support, appropriations, or oversight. I urge you to

act decisively to eliminate these dangerous synthetics while preserving legitimate commerce. The time to prevent this crisis is now.”

Click HERE to read the full letter.

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Contact: Payton Fuller