7-OH Ban: DEA Timeline, California Law & What to Do Now

Last updated: Oct 20, 2026

Editor's note: DEA says it will publish its final temporary order on or after Nov 13, 2026. We'll update this page when that order is published.

People keep asking us one question: is 7-OH banned yet? The honest answer as of October 20, 2026 has two parts. Federally, concentrated 7-OH is not yet a controlled substance, though the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has formally announced that it will be. In California, state health officials already say 7-OH products are illegal to sell or manufacture for human consumption.

This guide covers the federal timeline date by date, what the new legal limit means for the tablets, shots and gummies on store shelves, how California and Orange County handle 7-OH today, and what the medical evidence says about withdrawal and treatment. If you or someone you love uses 7-OH every day, the most important part is the safety section near the end. Please don't stop suddenly without talking to a medical professional first.

At a glance

• Federal status today: 7-OH is not yet scheduled. On October 14, 2026, DEA published a notice of intent to place 7-OH, and a related compound called MGPI ("pseudo"), in Schedule I above a set threshold. The order can't be published before November 13, 2026 [1].
• The new line: more than 1 mg per gram (solids) or 1 mg per mL (liquids), or less than 100 parts mitragynine for every 1 part 7-OH/MGPI [1].
• "Below the line" doesn't mean safe. DEA and HHS say plainly that neither agency has found these substances safe at below-threshold levels [1].
• California: CDPH says food, supplement and drug products containing kratom or 7-OH are illegal to sell or manufacture for consumption under state law, and the state has been pulling them from shelves [11][13].
• If you use daily: 7-OH acts on the same brain receptors as opioids. Stopping suddenly can bring opioid-type withdrawal. Medical help, including medications a clinician may prescribe, can make it safer [8][23].

The federal 7-OH ban timeline

The federal process has taken several turns, so here it is in order. All dates come from the Federal Register, DEA, the Department of Justice or HHS.

A few points worth knowing:

• Temporary scheduling is an emergency tool. The law lets DEA place a substance in Schedule I for two years when it finds an "imminent hazard to public safety" [1]. The October notice doesn't list a public comment period. Temporary orders generally take effect when they are published, so check the final order for its exact effective date.
• MGPI is controlled now. "Pseudo" products have been Schedule I since August 26, 2026, with no minimum amount. DEA's October notice proposes placing MGPI under the same threshold as 7-OH once the new order is published [1][5].
• State laws still apply. DEA notes that its federal threshold doesn't override stricter state laws [1].
• Federal food and drug law already applies. Even before scheduling, FDA says 7-OH isn't lawful in dietary supplements or conventional foods and isn't approved for any medical use [8]. In December 2025 the Justice Department and FDA seized about 73,000 units of 7-OH products from three warehouses [10].

What the 1 mg/g threshold means for real products

The new limit is meant to separate products that resemble the kratom leaf from products that have been "intentionally enhanced or concentrated" [6]. In the leaf itself, 7-OH makes up less than 2% of the total alkaloids or appears only in trace amounts [1]. Commercial 7-OH, by contrast, is often concentrated or made from mitragynine (kratom's main alkaloid) in a single chemical step. The resulting molecule is identical either way [1].

A product falls under Schedule I if either test is met [1]:

1. 1Concentration test. It contains more than 1 mg of 7-OH (or MGPI, or both combined) per gram of solid product, or per milliliter of liquid.
2. 2Ratio test. Its mitragynine content divided by its 7-OH/MGPI content is less than 100. In plain terms, the product has more than 1 part 7-OH for every 100 parts mitragynine.

What this means in practice:

• Most concentrated products are likely well over the line. For scale: a 1-gram tablet with 15 mg of 7-OH works out to 15 mg per gram, fifteen times the limit. (This is our illustration, not a lab result for any specific product.) A study cited by DEA found 250 products sold between September 2024 and February 2025 with 1 mg to 700 mg of 7-OH per dose or serving. Chewable or sublingual tablets were the most common form [1].
• Form doesn't matter. DEA describes 7-OH sold as tablets, shots, capsules, powders, syrups, vapes, sublingual strips, nasal sprays, chewables and liquid extracts [1]. Shots and syrups are measured per milliliter. Tablets, gummies and powders are measured per gram.
• Labels are unreliable. These products aren't required to be tested or labeled accurately in California, so buyers may not know what's in them [16]. In 2026, California Poison Control warned that some products sold as kava or cat's claw contained 7-OH and related compounds that weren't on the label. Some labels even claimed "no kratom" [20].
• Only lab testing can tell. Whether a given product is above or below the line can only be confirmed by lab analysis. You can't tell by the brand name, color or price.
• "Under the limit" isn't a safety rating. It only means the product falls outside this particular rule [1].

Is 7-OH illegal in California?

Short answer: California health officials treat 7-OH products as illegal to sell or manufacture for human consumption today, even before any federal order.

How the law works. California has no kratom-specific statute. Instead, the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law applies [16]. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) says foods and dietary supplements containing kratom or 7-OH are adulterated under Health & Safety Code §§110445 and 110555, so they can't lawfully be sold or made for consumption. That includes products labeled "not for human consumption" when they're clearly meant to be consumed [12]. In October 2025, CDPH warned the public that these products "may result in addiction, serious harm, overdose, and death" [11].

Enforcement. CDPH embargoes or destroys products it finds during investigations [11]. The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has told licensed stores to remove kratom and 7-OH products immediately, and violators risk suspension or revocation of their license [15]. ABC reports that CDPH has seized more than $5 million worth of kratom and 7-OH products [15]. In March 2026, the Governor's office reported 95% compliance after agents removed more than 3,300 products in three weeks [14]. As of September 2, 2026, it reported 8,038 site visits, 181 violations, 97.75% compliance and 7,888 kratom/7-OH products removed among ABC licensees [13].

Pending state legislation. AB 1088 would set a statewide age-21 minimum and ban products where 7-OH exceeds 2% of total kratom alkaloids. It passed the Assembly 76–0 in June 2025, but its Senate hearing was canceled at the author's request in June 2026. It hasn't become law [17].

Orange County and local rules. In August 2025, the Orange County Board of Supervisors banned the sale, distribution or possession of kratom products with more than 2% 7-OH in unincorporated areas. The ordinance also restricts sales to people 21 and older, bans marketing aimed at children and requires child-resistant packaging. Violations can bring misdemeanor charges and fines up to $1,000 [18]. Several cities have their own rules. Newport Beach prohibits the sale and distribution of kratom leaf and synthetic alkaloid products, and the City of San Diego prohibits sale, distribution and possession [16]. Rules differ by city, so check yours.

California harm data. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health linked six fatal overdoses to 7-OH as of October 2025. The people who died were 18 to 40 years old and generally healthy, and alcohol was often involved [19]. California Poison Control reports that calls about kratom rose from 2 in 2015 to 233 in 2025, and that 2026 had already passed that number by July. Note that these figures cover kratom-related calls broadly, not 7-OH alone [20].

This section is general information, not legal advice.

Is 7-OH an opioid? How it acts in the body

Federal health agencies describe 7-OH as a potent opioid. FDA calls 7-OH products "novel potent opioid products" [8]. DEA's scheduling notice says 7-OH has a pharmacological profile similar to Schedule II opioids like morphine. In preclinical research it carries risks of tolerance, dependence and respiratory depression comparable to classic opioid pain relievers [1].

How it works:

• It activates mu-opioid receptors. These are the same receptors that heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioids act on. Mitragynine from the kratom leaf is partly converted to 7-OH in the body [22].
• Concentration changes the risk. According to NIDA, kratom leaf and mitragynine generally don't appear to cause the breathing suppression typical of opioid overdose. In laboratory models, though, 7-OH can cause respiratory depression, and naloxone reverses it [22]. That difference is a big reason concentrated 7-OH is treated differently from the leaf.
• Overdose and death have been documented. As of early 2026, DEA's toxicology program had identified 7-OH in 85 overdose cases since 2019, 55 of them fatal, often alongside other substances such as fentanyl, benzodiazepines or ketamine [1]. FDA's adverse event database listed 86 cases involving 7-OH, 79 of them serious, including 9 deaths [1]. These databases depend on voluntary reports and testing, so the true numbers are uncertain.
• Poison center reports are rising. America's Poison Centers counted 593 exposures to 7-OH in 2025 and 901 in just the first half of 2026. When 7-OH was the only substance involved, 38.8% of patients had serious health problems and 20.5% were hospitalized [21].
• Mixing raises the danger. CDPH warns that combining 7-OH with alcohol, prescription medications or other substances can cause severe respiratory depression and death [11][13].

7-OH withdrawal and treatment: what clinicians know

Withdrawal symptoms

Because 7-OH acts like an opioid, regular use can lead to physical dependence. Stopping can then cause withdrawal. FDA lists restlessness, body aches, fatigue, irritability and cold sweats among reported withdrawal symptoms [8]. Published case reports also describe nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, chills, anxiety and strong cravings [26]. California Poison Control describes muscle aches, GI distress, sweating, fever, anxiety, irritability, insomnia and cravings with kratom-related withdrawal [20].

Timeline (and its limits)

No large studies have mapped a standard 7-OH withdrawal timeline yet, so treat any schedule as approximate:

• Onset: In one hospitalized patient, opioid withdrawal began within 8 hours of stopping [24]. California Poison Control says kratom withdrawal typically starts 12 to 24 hours after last use [20].
• Peak and duration: In one case report, a patient came to the emergency department with significant symptoms about 48 hours after his last dose [26]. California Poison Control notes that symptoms can persist for weeks [20].
• What changes it: Dose, how often someone uses, how long they've used, other substances and overall health all matter. That's why a medical assessment comes first.

Withdrawal is miserable, and it's also a period of real risk. Tolerance drops quickly, and people sometimes reach for stronger opioids or pills from unknown sources to stop the symptoms.

Medications are a clinician's decision

Evidence on treating 7-OH dependence is still early. It comes from case reports and small case series, not randomized trials, but it's growing:

• In a 2026 retrospective case series, nine patients with problematic use of purified 7-OH started buprenorphine through a telehealth addiction clinic. Eight of the nine (88.9%) were successfully started and stabilized, with no precipitated withdrawal reported [23].
• Other published cases describe buprenorphine-naloxone in the emergency department [26], a short course of buprenorphine during inpatient medically managed withdrawal followed by a move to residential care [25], and stabilization with methadone followed by a transition to buprenorphine [24].

These reports suggest that standard medications for opioid use disorder may help. But whether to use a medication, which one, when to start it (starting buprenorphine too early can trigger withdrawal) and at what dose are decisions for a qualified clinician after an individual evaluation. NIDA notes there are no FDA-approved treatments specifically for kratom-related withdrawal [22], so clinicians are adapting proven opioid-treatment approaches.

Choosing the right level of care

There's no one-size-fits-all path. A clinical assessment looks at how much and how often someone uses, other substances (especially alcohol or benzodiazepines), medical and mental health conditions, past withdrawal experiences and how safe and supportive the home is. Here's how those factors line up with Northbound's levels of care:

• Medical detox may fit when someone uses high doses or uses several times a day, has had severe withdrawal before, also uses alcohol or sedatives, or has medical or psychiatric conditions that need close monitoring. Northbound's licensed sub-acute residential detox in Garden Grove provides 24/7 medical monitoring, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is used when clinically appropriate.
• Residential treatment may fit after detox when someone needs structure and distance from easy access to 7-OH while they build new coping skills.
• Partial hospitalization (PHP) offers up to about six hours of structured clinical programming on most treatment days, without an overnight stay. It may fit someone who is medically stable and has a safe place to live.
• Virtual IOP (HomeBound) provides intensive outpatient and outpatient care by secure video for California residents. It may fit someone who is stable, has a supportive home and needs to keep working or caring for family. It's also a common step-down after higher levels of care.
• Family therapy and aftercare support the longer road after the first weeks.

Outpatient care isn't automatically "less serious," and detox isn't always required. The right starting point is a clinical decision. Northbound's admissions team can help you get that assessment.

For families: when someone you love uses 7-OH

Families often find out late, because 7-OH comes in candy-like packaging and can be bought at gas stations and smoke shops [1][11]. Some things to watch for:

• Signs of use: frequent trips to smoke shops or gas stations, small colorful packages or tablet tins, products labeled "kratom," "7-OH," "plant alkaloids" or "botanical extract," and money spent without explanation.
• Signs of dependence: needing more to get the same effect, feeling sick, sweaty or restless when a dose is late, and using first thing in the morning.
• Signs of overdose: extreme sleepiness, slow or stopped breathing, blue or gray lips, or not responding. Call 911 and give naloxone [11].

How to help:

1. 1Lead with concern, not punishment. Something like "I've noticed you seem sick when you skip it, and I'm worried" usually opens more doors than an ultimatum.
2. 2Don't push a cold-turkey stop. Encourage a medical assessment instead.
3. 3Keep naloxone at home and learn how to use it. CDPH says naloxone reverses opioid overdoses, including those involving 7-OH [11]. See our guide on how Narcan is administered.
4. 4Store products out of children's reach. FDA has warned that some 7-OH gummies may appeal to children [1].
5. 5Get support for yourself. Northbound offers family therapy, and our admissions team can talk with families even before a loved one is ready.

If you use 7-OH every day: a safety-first plan

A ban date can feel like a countdown. Please don't let it push you into stopping overnight. These steps put safety first:

1. 1Don't stop abruptly without medical guidance. Sudden withdrawal can be intense, and the risks are highest when someone switches to unknown pills or street opioids to get relief.
2. 2Get a medical assessment now, while your supply is steady. You'll have more choices about pacing, medications and level of care when you aren't already in withdrawal.
3. 3Be specific about what you take. Bring the package or a photo, plus how much and how often. Product strength varies enormously [1], and standard drug screens may not detect 7-OH (see the FAQ), so your clinician depends on what you tell them.
4. 4Carry naloxone, and don't use alone. In California you can buy CalRx® over-the-counter naloxone for $22.50 per twin pack, according to CDPH [11]. Don't mix 7-OH with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives [11][13].
5. 5Avoid replacements. Products relabeled as "kava," "cat's claw" or "pseudo" may contain undisclosed kratom alkaloids or controlled substances [20][5].
6. 6Know your crisis lines. Call 911 for an emergency, 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Control, 988 for a mental health crisis and 1-800-662-4357 (SAMHSA National Helpline, free and confidential, 24/7) for treatment referrals [29].

Frequently asked questions

Is 7-OH banned now?

Not federally, as of October 20, 2026. DEA published a notice of intent on October 14, 2026, and says the temporary Schedule I order will be published on or after November 13, 2026 [1]. In California, CDPH already considers 7-OH products illegal to sell or manufacture for consumption [11].

When does the 7-OH ban take effect?

The earliest date is November 13, 2026. DEA could publish the order later. Once in effect, it lasts up to two years, with a possible one-year extension [1]. We'll update this page when the order is published.

Is 7-OH legal in California today?

State health officials say no for sales. Kratom and 7-OH foods, supplements and drug products are considered adulterated and illegal to sell or manufacture for consumption under the Sherman Law [11][12]. Some localities, including unincorporated Orange County, Newport Beach and San Diego, have extra rules, some of which cover possession [16][18].

Is 7-OH an opioid?

Yes, according to FDA and DEA. FDA calls 7-OH products "novel potent opioid products" [8], and DEA describes a profile similar to morphine, including risks of dependence and respiratory depression [1].

Can you overdose on 7-OH?

Yes. Fatal and nonfatal overdoses involving 7-OH have been documented [1][19]. The risk rises when it's mixed with alcohol or sedatives [11]. Naloxone can reverse opioid effects, including those of 7-OH [11][22]. Call 911 if someone is unresponsive or breathing slowly.

What's the difference between 7-OH and pseudo (MGPI)?

Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI, sold as "pseudo") is a chemical rearrangement product of 7-OH that also acts strongly on mu-opioid receptors [1]. MGPI has been Schedule I with no threshold since August 26, 2026. Under the new notice, it will share the same threshold as 7-OH, measured alone or combined, once the new order is published [1][5]. Switching to pseudo is not a safer or legal workaround.

Is kratom leaf being banned too?

Not by the federal notice. The threshold is designed to leave products consistent with botanical kratom outside Schedule I [6]. In California, however, CDPH's position covers kratom food and supplement products as well, not just 7-OH [12][16].

Will 7-OH show up on a drug test?

Often not on a standard panel. Kratom alkaloids aren't among the drugs on the federal workplace testing panels [28], and they fall outside traditional forensic toxicology screens [27]. Specialized lab methods such as LC-MS can detect them, although 7-OH is unstable in urine samples [27]. Because the body also makes 7-OH from mitragynine, a test may not be able to show whether someone used leaf kratom or a concentrated 7-OH product [1].

What happens if I stop 7-OH suddenly?

You may have opioid-type withdrawal: restlessness, body aches, sweats, GI upset, insomnia, anxiety and cravings [8][20]. Talk to a medical professional before stopping. Supervised care and medications may make it safer.

Is buprenorphine used for 7-OH?

Published cases and a small 2026 case series describe buprenorphine helping people stabilize after 7-OH use [23][24][25][26]. Whether it's right for you is a clinician's decision.

Does insurance cover 7-OH treatment?

Many plans cover substance use treatment, and coverage depends on your plan, medical necessity and authorization rather than the name of the product. Northbound verifies benefits for detox, residential, PHP and virtual IOP at no cost. Verification isn't a guarantee of payment. You can check your coverage here.

How long does 7-OH withdrawal last?

Evidence is limited to case reports. Symptoms may begin within 8 to 24 hours and can last days to weeks [20][24]. A clinician can estimate your likely course from your dose and history.

Getting help at Northbound

If 7-OH has gone from "something that helps" to something you can't skip, you're not alone, and you don't have to wait for a federal deadline to make a change. Northbound has provided addiction treatment in Southern California for more than 38 years, with care ranging from medical detox and residential treatment to PHP and virtual IOP for California residents.

• Verify your insurance at no cost (verification isn't a guarantee of payment).
• Start admissions or call (866) 311-0003, available 24/7 and confidential.

Related reading: The opioid withdrawal timeline · Suboxone myths vs. medical facts · Opioid addiction treatment

This article is for education only and isn't medical or legal advice. It doesn't replace care from your own doctor or clinician. Treatment decisions, including medications and level of care, should be made with a qualified professional. Individual experiences and results vary.

References

1. 1Drug Enforcement Administration. Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 7-Hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl Above a Specified Threshold in Schedule I (notice of intent). Federal Register 91 FR 65370–65381, Doc. 2026-20943, Docket DEA-1570. October 14, 2026.
2. 2Drug Enforcement Administration. Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of MGM-15 and MGM-16 in Schedule I. Federal Register 91 FR 65381, Doc. 2026-20942. October 14, 2026.
3. 3Drug Enforcement Administration. Schedules of Controlled Substance: Temporary Placement of 7-Hydroxymitragynine Above a Specified Threshold in Schedule I. Federal Register 91 FR 40917, Doc. 2026-13580. July 6, 2026.
4. 4Drug Enforcement Administration. Temporary Placement of 7-Hydroxymitragynine Above a Specified Threshold in Schedule I; Request for Information. 91 FR 41049, July 6, 2026; and Extension of Comment Period, 91 FR 55104, August 26, 2026.
5. 5Drug Enforcement Administration. Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I. Federal Register 91 FR 54948, Doc. 2026-17429. August 26, 2026.
6. 6U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs. Department of Justice Announces Updates to Emergency Scheduling Actions for 7-OH and Related Opioid Substances. October 9, 2026.
7. 7U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Hiding in Plain Sight: 7-OH Products. Accessed October 20, 2026.
8. 8U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Products Containing 7-OH Can Cause Serious Harm (Consumer Update).
9. 9U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. FDA Takes Steps to Restrict 7-OH Opioid Products Threatening American Consumers. July 29, 2025.
10. 10U.S. Department of Justice. Justice Department Seizes Unlawful 7-OH Opioid Products at Three Warehouses. December 2, 2025.
11. 11California Department of Public Health. Foods, Dietary Supplements and Medical Drugs Containing Kratom and 7-OH are Dangerous and Illegal to Sell or Manufacture for Consumption (NR25-16). October 24, 2025; revised January 7, 2026.
12. 12California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch. About Kratom.
13. 13Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Governor Newsom announces nearly 15,300 illegal hemp, kratom and 7-OH products removed from California store shelves. September 2, 2026.
14. 14Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Governor Newsom announces 95% compliance with prohibition of illegal kratom products. March 3, 2026.
15. 15California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Warning to ABC Licensees Concerning Illegal Kratom, 7-OH Products; and ABC Announces Education, Enforcement Effort to Eradicate Illegal, Deadly Kratom Products. ABC warning to licensees · ABC enforcement announcement
16. 16California Senate Committee on Health. Informational Hearing: Kratom and 7-Hydroxymitragynine: Public Health Concerns and Regulatory Challenges (background paper). February 18, 2026.
17. 17California Legislative Information. AB-1088 Public health: kratom (2025–2026), bill status and history.
18. 18County of Orange, Office of Supervisor Katrina Foley. Weekly Update (Board action on kratom ordinance). August 29, 2025; Orange County Code of Ordinances, Title 3, Division 20 (Kratom). Supervisor Foley weekly update · Orange County Code, Div. 20 (Kratom)
19. 19Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Additional Fatal Overdoses Tied to Synthetic Kratom in Los Angeles County. October 10, 2025.
20. 20California Poison Control System (UCSF School of Pharmacy). California Poison Control Issues Warning as Dangerous Kratom Derivatives Appear in Popular Herbal Products. July 2026.
21. 21America's Poison Centers. Health Advisory: Serious Illnesses Associated with Kratom and 7-OH Products. July 8, 2026.
22. 22National Institute on Drug Abuse. Kratom (Research Topic).
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24. 24Hendler R, Karavolis Z, Kim J, Gonzalez G. A Case of 7-Hydroxymitragynine Use Disorder Treated With Buprenorphine. J Addict Med. 2026 (online ahead of print). doi:10.1097/ADM.0000000000001685
25. 25Wightman RS, Hu D. A Case of 7-Hydroxymitragynine Use Requiring Inpatient Medically Managed Withdrawal. J Addict Med. 2026;20(4):416–418. doi:10.1097/ADM.0000000000001558
26. 26Lybik N, Cone B, Skelton S, Elfessi Z. Management of acute withdrawal from 7-hydroxymitragynine after high-dose chronic use: A case report. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2026;66(3):103047. doi:10.1016/j.japh.2026.103047
27. 27Basiliere S, Bryand K, Kerrigan S. Identification of five Mitragyna alkaloids in urine using liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time of flight mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B. 2018;1080:11–19 (NIJ-sponsored).
28. 28Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (HHS). Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs: Authorized Testing Panels. Federal Register Doc. 2026-04981. March 13, 2026.
29. 29SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357,; 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline,. SAMHSA National Helpline · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline