7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is an alkaloid found in kratom that can be concentrated or synthetically enhanced in products such as pills, gummies, and shots. Some states have targeted 7-OH specifically, classifying it as controlled or restricting products with high concentrations, while others regulate kratom more broadly. Natural kratom leaf remains legal in many places unless the state has explicitly banned kratom entirely.
State-by-State 7-OH / Kratom Ban Status
| State | 7-OH/Kratom Ban Status 25–26 | Notes and Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Illegal | Kratom and 7-OH banned. No active consideration for legalization. |
| Alaska | Legal (Unregulated) | No statewide restrictions on 7-OH or kratom. Discussion of consumer protections exists. |
| Arizona | Restricted | Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) applies; limits 7-OH content to <2%. |
| Arkansas | Illegal | Kratom/7-OH classified as Schedule I controlled; no active legislative reversal. |
| California | Legal (Local Bans) | Legal statewide; local bans (e.g., San Diego). Possible future regulation. |
| Colorado | Restricted | Limits 7-OH to ≤2% total alkaloid content under state law passed May 29, 2025. |
| Connecticut | Legal | No statewide ban; local bans exist; KCPA may be considered. |
| Delaware | Legal | No restrictions on 7-OH or kratom. Attempts to regulate failed. |
| Florida | Banned (7-OH only) | Emergency rule effective August 12–14, 2025, classifies concentrated 7-OH as Schedule I. kratom leaf remains legal. |
| Georgia | Restricted | KCPA enacted Jan 1, 2025, prohibits synthetic alkaloids and limits 7-OH; regulated sale. |
| Hawaii | Legal | No restrictions on 7-OH or kratom at state level. |
| Idaho | Legal | No restrictions on 7-OH or kratom. |
| Illinois | Restricted | Legal statewide under KCPA; some local bans and labeling requirements. |
| Indiana | Illegal | Kratom/7-OH banned (Schedule I). |
| Iowa | Legal | No restrictions; possible consumer protection discussions. |
| Kansas | Legal | No statewide regulation; FDA warnings exist. |
| Kentucky | Illegal | Kentucky has scheduled 7-OH above a potency threshold as Schedule I; full details vary. |
| Louisiana | Illegal | Full ban on kratom and 7-OH effective August 1, 2025. |
| Maine | Legal | Legal statewide; previous 2024 attempts to ban failed. |
| Maryland | Legal (Regulated) | KCPA adopted 2023; 7-OH regulated with lab testing; local bans in Montgomery County. |
| Massachusetts | Legal | Legal statewide; some cities have restrictions; discussions of age limits. |
| Michigan | Restricted | Legislation proposed to classify kratom as Schedule II; currently legal with age limits. |
| Mississippi | Restricted/Synthetic Bans | State prohibits synthetic kratom extracts and high-7-OH products (limits vary). |
| Missouri | Regulated | KCPA passed 2023; limits alkaloid content; no full 7-OH ban. |
| Nevada | Regulated | First state with KCPA; regulates natural kratom and indirectly 7-OH content. |
| New Hampshire | Legal | No general restrictions on kratom/7-OH at state level. |
| New Jersey | Legal | Legal statewide with no specific 7-OH ban. |
| New Mexico | Legal | No restrictions on kratom/7-OH. |
| New York | Legal | Legal kratom; lawmaker proposals for labeling and warning requirements. |
| North Carolina | Legal | No statewide ban; no specific 7-OH restrictions. |
| Ohio | Under Consideration | Emergency rules restrict synthetic 7-OH now; rulemaking process began Jan 2026. Local interpretation varies. |
| Oklahoma | Emerging | Anecdotal reports suggest 7-OH restriction talks; specifics evolving in 2025. |
| Oregon | Legal | No statewide ban on 7-OH or kratom. |
| Pennsylvania | Legal | No statewide ban on kratom/7-OH. |
| Rhode Island | Illegal | Kratom and 7-OH illegal; potential new regulatory act effective April 1, 2026. |
| South Carolina | Restricted | Kratom Consumer Protection Act passed 2025; bans products >2% 7-OH content. |
| South Dakota | Legal | No statewide ban. |
| Tennessee | Restricted | Natural kratom legal for age 21+; synthetic 7-OH derivatives banned under state restrictions. |
| Texas | Restricted | Effective Sept 1, 2025, synthetic 7-OH banned; pure kratom limited 7-OH ≤2%. |
| Utah | Regulated | Kratom Consumer Protection Act limits 7-OH and regulates sale. |
| Vermont | Illegal | Kratom and 7-OH banned. |
| Virginia | Legal | No statewide restrictions on 7-OH or kratom. |
| Washington (State) | Legal | No statewide 7-OH / kratom ban. |
| West Virginia | Under Review | Legislation consideration ongoing. |
| Wisconsin | Illegal | Kratom and 7-OH banned. |
Key Takeaways
- First explicit 7-OH ban: Florida banned concentrated 7-OH as a Schedule I substance effective August 14, 2025; natural kratom leaf remains legal there.
- Full kratom bans: States like Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana (Aug 1, 2025), Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin forbid kratom and its alkaloids, including 7-OH.
- Regulated states: Many states use Kratom Consumer Protection Acts to control age limits, labeling, and 7-OH content rather than full bans.
- Emerging rulemaking: In Ohio and some other states, temporary emergency restrictions or rulemaking for 7-OH are underway as of early 2026.
Why These Regulations Matter
7-OH has gained legislative attention due to its opioid-like effects and potency, leading some lawmakers to treat it differently from natural kratom, which contains much lower levels of the compound. Federal agencies have also called for controls on 7-OH products, influencing state actions.
Because state law changes frequently, it’s important for consumers and retailers to check current local statutes and rules in their jurisdiction.
What the 7-OH and Kratom Bans Mean for Individuals Struggling With Use
For individuals who rely on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) or kratom to manage pain, anxiety, or withdrawal from other substances, state bans can create sudden and serious challenges. When access is restricted or eliminated, people may face unmanaged withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, muscle aches, and mood changes.
One of the primary concerns is abrupt discontinuation without medical support. Unlike regulated medications, many people using 7-OH or kratom have no taper plan and no clinical oversight. When products disappear from shelves quickly, individuals may attempt to stop suddenly or seek alternatives on their own.
Risk of transitioning to opioids
Another concern tied to these bans is the potential for substitution. Individuals experiencing withdrawal or cravings may turn to other substances that are more readily available, including prescription opioids obtained illicitly or non-prescription opioids like fentanyl-contaminated products. This risk increases when people are trying to avoid withdrawal rather than seeking treatment.
While kratom and 7-OH are not opioids, 7-OH acts on opioid receptors, which means withdrawal and tolerance can feel similar to opioid withdrawal for some users. Without support, the transition from kratom or 7-OH to stronger opioids can happen unintentionally, especially for individuals with a history of substance use.
Why detox support matters
Medical or clinically supported detox can help manage withdrawal symptoms safely and reduce the risk of relapse or substitution. Detox also creates an opportunity to address underlying factors such as chronic pain, anxiety, or prior opioid dependence that may have contributed to 7-OH or kratom use in the first place.
As laws continue to change, understanding these risks is important. Bans may reduce availability, but they do not eliminate dependence. For individuals struggling with use, seeking detox or treatment support can be a safer alternative than stopping abruptly or trying to manage withdrawal alone.
How 7-OH and Kratom Addiction Are Treated
Treatment for 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and kratom addiction focuses on safely managing withdrawal, stabilizing the nervous system, and addressing the reasons use started or escalated. Because 7-OH acts on opioid receptors, treatment often looks similar to care used for opioid dependence, even though kratom is not classified as an opioid.
Care is individualized based on the level of dependence, length of use, co-occurring mental health conditions, and whether someone is at risk of transitioning to stronger opioids.
Treatment Services for 7-OH and Kratom Addiction
- Medical Assessment and Stabilization
A thorough evaluation to understand substance use history, withdrawal risk, mental health needs, and whether medical detox is appropriate. - Medically Supported Detox
Supervised withdrawal support to manage symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, muscle pain, and cravings, reducing the risk of relapse or substitution. - Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT may be used when clinically appropriate to stabilize opioid receptors, reduce cravings, and lower the risk of transitioning to illicit opioids. This approach is especially important for individuals with significant 7-OH dependence. - Brixadi (Extended-Release Buprenorphine)
Brixadi is a long-acting buprenorphine injection that can help provide steady medication levels without daily dosing. For some individuals, Brixadi supports stabilization, reduces cravings, and helps prevent misuse during early recovery. - Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy focused on understanding substance use patterns, managing anxiety or pain, and building healthier coping strategies. - Group Therapy
Structured group sessions that provide peer support, accountability, and shared learning during recovery. - Mental Health Treatment for Co-Occurring Conditions
Integrated care for anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns that may have contributed to kratom or 7-OH use. - Relapse Prevention and Coping Skills
Practical skill-building to identify triggers, manage cravings, and reduce the risk of returning to use, especially during periods of legal or supply changes. - Recovery Planning and Aftercare Coordination
Ongoing planning to support continued care after treatment, including outpatient services, MAT follow-up, and long-term recovery supports.
When access to 7-OH or kratom is suddenly restricted, unmanaged withdrawal increases the risk of relapse or progression to illicit opioids. Treatment offers a safer alternative to stopping abruptly or self-managing symptoms and helps reduce harm during periods of legal change. If you or your loved one are struggling with 7-OH or Kratom addiction, Brooks Healing Center’s nashville based kratom & 7-OH rehab program can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom and 7-OH Bans
What states is kratom illegal?
As of now, kratom is illegal statewide in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Some states also have local or city-level bans. Because laws change, it’s important to check current state and local regulations.
What are 7-OH tablets?
7-OH tablets are products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, a potent alkaloid found naturally in small amounts in kratom leaves. In tablets, 7-OH is often concentrated or synthetically enhanced, which is why these products are receiving increased legal and regulatory attention.
Is kratom federally legal?
Yes. Kratom is federally legal in the United States and is not scheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act. However, the FDA has issued warnings, and individual states have the authority to regulate or ban kratom and 7-OH products.
Does all kratom have 7-hydroxymitragynine?
Yes, but only in very small natural amounts. Traditional kratom leaf contains trace levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine. Products marketed as “7-OH” typically contain much higher concentrations than what occurs naturally in the plant.
Is kratom or 7-OH legal in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, natural kratom is legal for adults, but synthetic or concentrated 7-OH products are restricted. Tennessee has considered and implemented changes affecting how these products can be sold, and enforcement timelines have shifted, so staying current is important.
Is kratom or 7-OH legal in Alabama?
No. Kratom and its alkaloids, including 7-hydroxymitragynine, are illegal in Alabama.
Is kratom or 7-OH legal in Georgia?
Yes, kratom is legal in Georgia under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which regulates age limits, labeling, and alkaloid content. Products containing synthetic or excessive 7-OH may be restricted under these rules.
Is kratom or 7-OH legal in Florida?
Kratom leaf is legal in Florida, but concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products have faced restrictions and emergency scheduling actions. Florida law distinguishes between natural kratom and high-potency 7-OH derivatives.
Is kratom or 7-OH legal in Kentucky?
Kratom legality in Kentucky is complex. Certain forms of kratom and high-potency alkaloids like 7-OH have been restricted, and classification can depend on concentration and product type. Checking current state guidance is recommended.
Is kratom or 7-OH legal in North Carolina?
Yes. Kratom is currently legal in North Carolina, and there is no statewide ban on 7-OH. However, regulatory discussions continue, and laws may evolve.
Is kratom or 7-OH legal in Washington, DC?
Yes. Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are currently legal in Washington, DC. There is no DC-specific law banning kratom or 7-OH, and neither substance is federally scheduled. While regulations can change, there are no active bans or consumer protection acts in effect in DC at this time.
Sources
- Kratom Lords. (2025). What is 7-OH? Synthetic kratom derivative and its U.S. legal status. https://kratomlords.com/kratom-research/what-is-7-oh/
- Hydroxy Seven. (2025). State by state legal status of 7-hydroxy (7-OH). https://hydroxyseven.com/legality
- Kratom Anonymous. (2025). Overview of current 7-OH regulations in the United States. https://www.kratomanonymous.com/about-kratom/overview-of-current-7-oh-regulations-in-the-united-states-9sgxj
- NutraIngredients USA. (2025). Florida bans 7-OH amid opioid abuse concerns. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2025/08/18/florida-bans-7-oh-amid-opioid-abuse-concerns
- Pharmakeia. (2025). Navigating kratom legislation: state-by-state guide. https://pharmakeia.com/kratom-legislation-state-by-state-guide/
