The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today praised Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s announcement to follow the lead of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and issue an emergency scheduling of concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) opioid products. The move follows growing concern from federal and state health officials about the addictive nature and public health risks of synthetic 7-OH, a novel opioid that is masquerading as a dietary supplement.
Natural leaf kratom was not included or under scrutiny in today’s announcement.
“Florida’s leadership in taking swift action against dangerous synthetic 7-OH opioid products is a landmark moment in protecting public health,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “We strongly support enforcement against synthetic 7-OH opioid products, which pose real risks of abuse, dependence, and overdose. Importantly, similar to the FDA’s recommendation, this action draws a clear line between natural kratom leaf products and novel lab-produced potent derivatives like 7, by clearly ensuring that natural kratom leaf is not affected by the emergency scheduling."
This announcement comes after FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary stated on July 29 that the federal government is “targeting a concentrated synthetic byproduct that is an opioid,” underscoring the urgency of state-level action. Despite this clarity, confusion persists among consumers, policymakers, and the media about the fundamental differences between synthetic 7-OH and traditional, plant-based kratom.
“Natural leaf kratom has been used safely for over 50 years by millions of Americans,” Lowe said. “The danger lies in synthetic manipulation by bad actors to create a product that is 13 times more potent than morphine and is in no way similar to natural kratom. Florida has sent a strong message: there’s no place for these dangerous, concentrated opioids in our communities.”
GKC emphasized that the Florida emergency scheduling, which takes immediate effect, aligns with the coalition’s mission to ensure kratom remains available in its natural form while keeping harmful synthetic derivatives off the market. The group urged other states to follow Florida’s lead and act before synthetic concentrated 7-OH opioid products become more widespread.
“We commend Attorney General Uthmeier and Commissioner Makary for prioritizing consumer safety,” Lowe added. “This is exactly the kind of targeted enforcement that protects the public without denying consumer access to natural kratom. We stand ready to work with Florida lawmakers, like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act sponsors Senator Collins and Representative Owen, when the legislature convenes in January to codify this scheduling into law.”
For more information, the Global Kratom Coalition has prepared a one-page fact sheet and a video clip of Dr. Makary’s July 29 remarks to help clarify the differences between natural kratom and synthetic 7-OH products.
About Global Kratom Coalition
The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit globalkratomcoalition.org.
Media Contact
Patrick George
info@globalkratomcoalition.org
+1 916-202-1982
