Overview

• The FDA has issued warning letters to at least seven companies marketing products containing the kratom-derived compound 7-hydroxymitragynine over safety concerns.
• The DEA has launched a rule-making process to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine as a Schedule I controlled substance in response to its opioid-like effects.
• Seven states, including Alabama, Arkansas and Wisconsin, have banned kratom after experts reported rising emergency visits tied to opioid-like effects.
• Botanic Tonics maintains its 21-and-over sales policy and added warning labels to Feel Free tonics following an $8.75 million class-action settlement.
• Pharmacists and addiction specialists caution that combining kava depressants with concentrated kratom extracts heightens the risk of severe dependency and withdrawal.