NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayJuly 30, 2026Hillsborough
Florida's ban on potent kratom derivative faces chemical workarounds
In June 2025, Florida classified a potent kratom derivative as a Schedule I narcotic, but manufacturers have since modified their chemical formulas to bypass the new restriction.
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa BayWhy It Matters
The state's attempt to regulate a substance 13 times more potent than morphine has been countered by manufacturers changing chemical compositions to remain outside the scope of the new law.
Key Facts
- Florida issued an emergency rule in June 2025 classifying 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I narcotic.
- 7-OH is described as being up to 13 times more potent than hospital morphine.
- Manufacturers of synthetic kratom have altered chemical formulas to continue selling products despite the ban.
Who's Mentioned
personJavohn Brown“Aunt of Michael Walker.”other7-hydroxymitragynine“Concentrated kratom derivative banned as a Schedule I narcotic.”personDr. Kurt Devine“Addiction physician.”personDr. Marty Makary“FDA Commissioner.”personJames Uthmeier“Florida Attorney General.”locationFlorida“State government issuing emergency rules.”otherMGM-15“Synthetic derivative used to replace 7-OH after the initial ban.”personMichael Walker“Hernando County resident whose death was linked to synthetic kratom.”