American Kratom Association Hosts U.S. Capitol Press Conference and Congressional Briefing on Federal Action Separating Natural Kratom From Synthetic 7-OH Products
Members of Congress, congressional staff, and media covering kratom and drug policy invited to two events, Oct. 13 and 14
WASHINGTON, DC, October 12, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The American Kratom Association (AKA) will host a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and a congressional briefing in the Rayburn House Office Building on Wednesday, Oct. 14, to address the Oct. 9 announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration adopting U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommendations that distinguish natural botanical kratom from chemically manipulated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI) products.
At both events, AKA will address recent media mischaracterizations of botanical kratom — particularly in coverage of the University of Mississippi investigations — and explain how federal action now clearly differentiates botanical kratom from synthetic and chemically manipulated products. AKA will also address the danger of inappropriately labeling synthetics as "kratom" rather than distinguishing them as HHS, DOJ, and DEA now do.
Both events will feature AKA policy leadership, scientific experts, and Americans directly harmed by synthetic products falsely marketed as kratom.
Event 1: Press Conference at the U.S. Capitol
- What: Press conference on the DOJ/DEA scheduling announcement and what it means for consumers, states, and Congress
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, 11:00 a.m. ET
- Where: Zone 1, U.S. Capitol Grounds (in front of the U.S. Capitol Building), Washington, D.C.
Event 2: Congressional Briefing
- What: Congressional briefing providing a detailed examination of recent federal action and the science separating natural kratom from synthetic and chemically manipulated products
- Who: Members of Congress and congressional staff; media; AKA policy and scientific experts; Americans impacted by synthetics posing as kratom
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET
- Where: Room 2168 (Gold Room), Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
Live streaming is available via AKA's YouTube channel @AmericanKratomAssociation.
The briefing will address:
- The Oct. 9, 2026, DOJ announcement differentiating botanical kratom from synthetic and chemically manipulated products, and the decision to accept HHS recommendations setting concentration and ratio thresholds for Schedule I control of 7-OH and MGPI
- Clarifying recent media misinformation about kratom stemming from the University of Mississippi investigations
- Testimony from Americans impacted by synthetic products posing as kratom
- Policy recommendations for Congress and the states to protect consumers without banning natural kratom
Registration
Media and congressional offices planning to attend either event are asked to register at protectkratom.org/congress, where additional details and background materials are available. Credentialed media should bring press identification.
Read the Department of Justice announcement for background on the updated emergency scheduling actions for 7-OH and related substances.
About American Kratom Association (AKA)
The American Kratom Association is a consumer advocacy organization committed to protecting access to safe, natural kratom leaf products and advancing science-based consumer protection standards. AKA supports age restrictions, accurate labeling, contaminant testing, good manufacturing practices, and strong enforcement against adulterated, mislabeled, synthetic, semi-synthetic, concentrated, fortified, or chemically manipulated products falsely marketed as kratom.
Disclaimer
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy organization. This press release and associated events are provided for informational and public policy purposes only. Information contained herein reflects policy analysis regarding federal administrative actions and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Statements regarding natural kratom leaf products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers should consult qualified medical professionals regarding healthcare decisions.
Media Contact
Mac Haddow
Senior Fellow on Public Policy
press@americankratom.org
+1 571-294-5978
