Scientists and Policy Experts to Brief Congress on FDA’s 7-OH Action, Kratom, and Consumer Protection Legislation

Nearly a year after the FDA recommended in July 2025 that the DEA schedule synthetic 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — drawing a clear line between concentrated synthetics and natural kratom plant products — there is still no federal legislation, guidance, or coherent policy to back it up, leaving state legislators confused and pursuing conflicting directives. The American Kratom Association (AKA) will host a Congressional Briefing to cut through that confusion on one of the fastest growing and most misunderstood products in America. Reporters are invited to attend, hear directly from leading scientists and policy experts, and arrange interviews.

The briefing arrives at a pivotal moment: the FDA’s distinction between synthetic 7-OH and the natural kratom plant has yet to be matched by clear federal action, even as synthetic products marketed to look like natural kratom proliferate. AKA experts will explain what the scheduling recommendation does and does not target, and how proposed federal legislation would close the regulatory gaps that leave both consumers and the states without a consistent framework.

• Who: The American Kratom Association (AKA), joined by expert presenters in kratom science, pharmacology, and public policy.
• What: 2026 Congressional Briefing on FDA 7-OH Action, Kratom, and Consumer Protection Legislation — an on-the-record briefing for members of Congress, staff, stakeholders, and media.
• When: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET.
• Where: Capitol Visitor Center, Room HVC 201, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

Why It Matters

Kratom is used by an estimated 20 million Americans, yet no federal framework governs how it is manufactured and sold. This briefing will:

• Clarify the distinction between natural kratom and concentrated, synthetic 7-OH products.
• Explain the Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act — how it would complement FDA and DEA activity, close regulatory gaps, and establish robust consumer protections.
• Provide scientific and policy context on a nuanced issue affecting millions of consumers, including many veterans.

Expert presenters will detail how a balanced regulatory framework can protect public safety while preserving consumer access to natural kratom products.

For Reporters

• Interviews: Subject-matter experts and AKA policy leadership will be available for one-on-one interviews before and after the briefing. Advance interviews can be arranged on request.
• B-roll / visuals: Briefing presentations and supporting materials will be available to credentialed media.
• Credentials: Access to the Capitol Visitor Center requires valid press credentials. Reporters without a Congressional press pass should contact AKA in advance to coordinate entry.
• RSVP: Media are asked to RSVP to confirm attendance and receive logistical details. Walk-ups welcome as space allows.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

American Kratom Association (AKA) is a consumer-based, nonprofit organization, focused on furthering the latest science as guidance for kratom public policy. AKA works to give a voice to millions of Americans by fighting to protect their rights to access safe and natural kratom. For more information, visit americankratom.org and learn more at kratomanswers.org.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
Senior Fellow on Public Policy
press@americankratom.org