Botanicals for Better Health and Wellness (BBHW), a national trade organization focused on advancing science-based botanical policy, today commended Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack for their leadership in classifying synthetic and concentrated forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as Schedule I substances.
The organization praised the administration’s decision as a model for other states navigating how to balance consumer safety with access to natural plant-based products.
“Governor Beshear’s action reflects a nuanced and evidence-informed understanding of the issue,” said Dr. Paloma Lehfeldt, MD, Medical Director of BBHW. “Synthetic 7-OH is not the same as natural kratom. It is a highly concentrated, laboratory-modified compound that poses measurable risks for dependence and dangerous adverse effects. By drawing this distinction, Kentucky is helping define what responsible, science-driven botanical regulation should look like nationwide.”
7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, occurs naturally in Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) leaves at trace levels after the drying process, but some manufacturers have produced isolated or chemically enhanced versions. The result, according to BBHW, is a growing category of synthetic products marketed as “kratom” but pharmacologically distinct from the traditional plant.
“Conflating synthetic analogs with natural botanicals creates confusion and undermines both public health and legitimate research,” Dr. Lehfeldt said. “Kentucky’s decision draws a scientific line that other states would be wise to follow.”
BBHW has urged lawmakers to adopt a consistent national strategy that supports scientific research, establishes uniform labeling and purity standards, and ensures that enforcement targets only the high-risk synthetic products that endanger consumers.
“Kentucky’s leadership sends a message that public health policy should be informed by data, not stigma,” Dr. Lehfeldt said. “We applaud Governor Beshear and Dr. Stack for demonstrating that it is possible to protect communities from harm while maintaining a rational, evidence-based path forward for natural products that have been used meaningfully for centuries.”
About Botanicals For Better Health and Wellness (BBHW)
Botanicals for Better Health and Wellness (BBHW) is a national trade organization formed to support the development of robust regulatory frameworks governing botanical products in the United States. For more information, visit www.bbhw.org.
Media Contact
Press Team
paloma@bbhwco.com
