The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today expressed strong support for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) following its finalized temporary order placing synthetic derivatives mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The order, scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on Aug. 26, 2026, takes effect immediately and will remain active through Aug. 26, 2028.
The order finalizes a notice of intent originally published by the DEA on July 6, 2026. The action is narrowly targeted, applying exclusively to mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16-three synthetic compounds that do not occur naturally in the kratom plant. Crucially, the order does not schedule natural kratom leaf that has not undergone post-harvest chemical alteration.
While the DEA's July 2026 notice also signaled an intent to schedule concentrated synthetic 7-OH, that specific regulatory action remains under review. The GKC anticipates the DEA will finalize that portion following the public comment period ending September 10, 2026, bringing an end to the rapid spread of highly concentrated synthetic products across the U.S. over the past three years.
Distinguishing Synthetic Compounds from Natural Kratom
The DEA's ruling does not constitute a ban on unaltered natural kratom leaf. By identifying three specific substances by their precise chemical structures, the order explicitly excludes unaltered natural kratom leaf, powders, capsules, teas, and standard botanical products that have not undergone structural chemical processing.
In its regulatory documentation, the DEA differentiates traditional kratom usage-such as steeping raw leaves for teas-from artificial chewable tablets and chemically manipulated formulations target market solutions. GKC urges state and municipal lawmakers across the country to adopt the DEA's approach by maintaining a clear regulatory boundary between natural botanical leaf and concentrated or synthetic derivatives.
"The DEA is exhibiting clear, evidence-based leadership by addressing these emerging synthetic products," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the GKC. "Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and DEA Administrator Terrance Cole deserve recognition for issuing a rule that protects public health."
Media & Educational Resources
To assist policymakers and journalists in understanding the distinctions between natural botanical kratom and synthetic compounds, the GKC has released:
About the Global Kratom Coalition
The Global Kratom Coalition represents an alliance of consumers, scientific experts, and industry stakeholders dedicated to protecting access to natural kratom leaf. The organization focuses on advancing scientific research, expanding public education, and supporting practical regulatory standards to safeguard consumer safety.
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Global Kratom Coalition
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