Proposed DEA Kratom Controls Spark Industry Dispute
The DEA may impose new concentration limits on kratom products, prompting an industry call for reporting accuracy.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The American Kratom Association is challenging a recent report regarding potential federal controls on kratom products. This follows a DEA notice proposing Schedule I status for certain opioid compounds found in kratom if they exceed specific concentration thresholds.
Why it matters
Understanding these proposed regulatory limits is critical for consumers tracking the availability of kratom products. Federal health agencies maintain that their recommendations stem from a lack of safety evidence regarding these specific chemical concentrations.
The DEA proposal, detailed in the Federal Register, establishes control thresholds of 1 milligram per gram in solids or 1 milligram per milliliter in liquids, along with a secondary test where controls trigger if the mitragynine mass ratio is below 100. These standards are currently under debate.
The players
American Kratom Association
An advocacy group that lobbies for the regulation and continued availability of kratom products in the United States.
Drug Enforcement Administration
The federal law enforcement agency responsible for combating drug trafficking and enforcing the Controlled Substances Act.
Food and Drug Administration
The federal agency responsible for protecting public health by regulating food safety and pharmaceutical products.
Department of Health and Human Services
The federal department that provides science-based recommendations to agencies like the DEA regarding public health risks.
The details
The DEA's proposal functions by targeting specific opioid compounds within kratom products when they cross defined concentration limits. A secondary safety test evaluates the mass ratio of mitragynine to identified alkaloids; if this ratio falls below 100, the product triggers Schedule I controls. HHS has stated this framework is intended to address the lack of established safety data for these substances.
Timeline
August 2026: The FDA implemented temporary scheduling for MGPI, MGM-15, and MGM-16.
October 14, 2026: The DEA issued a notice of intent in the Federal Register.
October 28, 2026: The New York Times published a report on the kratom industry.
October 30, 2026: The American Kratom Association requested a correction from the newspaper.
November 13, 2026: The DEA expects to publish a temporary scheduling order.
Health Landscape
The proposed regulatory changes reflect an ongoing effort by federal authorities to manage kratom products through the Controlled Substances Act. This approach signals a shift toward using specific chemical ratio testing to govern substances that lack established safety profiles.
Consumers of kratom products should be aware that these regulatory thresholds may impact the future legal status and availability of specific formulations. It is worth discussing any concerns about substance quality or potential health risks with your physician.
The takeaway
Federal regulators are moving toward strict concentration and ratio testing for opioid compounds in kratom. Keep track of updates regarding these potential scheduling changes, and always consult your doctor if you have questions about the safety or legality of products you use.
What happens next
The DEA is expected to publish a temporary scheduling order on or after November 13, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current regulatory environment, visit Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
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