END 7-OH Act
Summary
H.R. 8000, the END 7-OH Act, would amend the Controlled Substances Act to classify synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I controlled substance. 7-OH is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the kratom plant. The bill specifically targets synthetic versions of this compound while leaving naturally occurring 7-OH in kratom products unaffected. If enacted, producers and distributors of synthetic 7-OH would face legal penalties for non-compliance.
Schedule I substances are defined as having high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and lack of accepted safety for medical supervision. Supporters of the bill aim to regulate synthetic versions to protect public health. However, some researchers and advocacy groups have raised concerns that a Schedule I designation could restrict scientific research into the compound's potential therapeutic applications, including chronic pain management and cancer treatment. The bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on the Judiciary.
