Kratom and 7-OH Need Regulation, Experts Say—But Disagree on How

Medical experts agree that kratom and concentrated 7-OH products require regulatory oversight, but they remain divided on implementation strategies. Kratom has evaded regulation for decades despite growing use for pain management and anxiety relief, while newer, highly potent 7-OH formulations have intensified calls for safety standards. The debate centers on whether to establish federal guidelines, implement state-level controls, or pursue pharmaceutical classification. Patients and healthcare providers need clear standards to ensure product safety, quality consistency, and accurate labeling of these increasingly popular substances.