Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I
Key claim: The DEA is temporarily placing three 7-hydroxymitragynine-related chemicals—mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16—in Schedule I, making it illegal to manufacture, distribute, import, export, or possess them except under tightly limited research or analysis authorizations.
Abstract
(Rule · Justice Department, Drug Enforcement Administration) The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing this temporary order to schedule three 7-hydroxymitragynine-related substances (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. DEA bases this action on a finding that placing mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in schedule I is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety. This order imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle these three 7-hydroxymitragynine-related substances.
Why this matters
Temporary Schedule I placement makes manufacture, distribution, and possession of these three kratom-related compounds federal crimes outside narrowly authorized research, immediately affecting vendors, researchers, and consumers of 7-OH-related products. It also signals a broader DEA move to close analog gaps around kratom alkaloids while parallel legislation debates whether FDA or DEA should have primary authority over the kratom market.