Federal Ban on Dangerous Synthetic 7-OH Marks a Major Win for Kratom Reform

Updated on August 04, 2025

Vivazen® Applauds Federal Action and Reaffirms Commitment to Plant-Based Wellness

On July 29, 2025, U.S. health leaders took a powerful step toward protecting consumers and restoring trust in plant-based wellness. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), formally stated their intent to ban synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a dangerous, lab-made compound sometimes misrepresented as kratom.

This decisive action is more than a policy shift. It’s a clear signal that the federal government is drawing a scientific and regulatory line between natural kratom and harmful synthetics that exploit its name.

At Vivazen®, we stand behind this move.

Why It Matters

Kratom, a natural botanical in the coffee family, has been used for centuries to promote energy, focus, and relief from minor aches and pains. But in recent years, some unscrupulous manufacturers began creating synthetic 7-OH products and labeling them as kratom, posing serious risks to public health and misleading consumers.

Synthetic 7-OH is not found in raw kratom leaf and is known to act more like a dangerous opioid. Its presence in mislabeled products has contributed to confusion, controversy, and health concerns.

The new federal promise – to officially prohibit 7-OH in commerce and distinguish it from natural kratom – is an essential step toward restoring integrity in the botanical wellness space

What Vivazen® Stands For

At Vivazen®, we’ve built our reputation on transparency, safety, and science. Our products contain only non-synthetic, whole-leaf kratom leaf or extracts representing the full spectrum of leaf alkaloids, blended with other time-honored botanicals like kava and ashwagandha. We rigorously test every batch and follow strict compliance protocols to ensure purity and potency.

We do not, and will never, use synthetic 7-OH or any controlled substances in our products.

This ban aligns with what we’ve advocated all along: botanical wellness must be rooted in evidence, not exploitation.

A New Era for Kratom Regulation

The federal government’s decision opens the door for science-based reform and consumer protection, two causes close to our mission. By removing bad actors who sell dangerous synthetics under the guise of kratom, regulators are making room for legitimate, evidence-backed botanical brands to thrive.

This ruling also paves the way for future research, clearer standards, and responsible regulation, which are all essential for kratom’s continued evolution as a trusted functional tool.