NEW JERSEY — Three synthetic compounds related to kratom are now illegal to possess or sell in New Jersey as of Friday, Sept. 25, according to Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the state Division of Consumer Affairs.
The compounds — mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 — have been classified as Schedule I controlled substances by the federal government. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration temporarily placed the three compounds into Schedule I in August.
“We are issuing this alert to make the public aware that these substances will join heroin, LSD, bath salts, and other dangerous drugs on the list of Schedule I drugs banned in New Jersey,” Davenport said. “Any individual or business found violating this ban could face criminal charges.”
Natural kratom and other synthetic kratom-related compounds that are not scheduled will not be illegal in New Jersey as a result of the change, according to the Attorney General’s Office. However, officials said no forms of kratom or related synthetic compounds have been shown to be safe or effective to treat any medical condition.
“Consumers should utilize utmost caution with all kratom and related products,” said Christopher Peterson, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “It is important to stay informed and make careful decisions, especially when products may not meet established standards for quality or safety.”
Kratom is a botanical substance that grows naturally. Consumption of its leaves or components can produce stimulant effects at low doses and sedative effects at high doses and can lead to psychotic symptoms and psychological and physiological dependence, according to the state.
Kratom is frequently marketed online and sold in brick-and-mortar stores but is not approved in the United States for any medical use.
State officials said kratom products are not subject to quality controls regarding contaminants or concentration. The products may look like candy, and labels may not clearly identify their contents. Officials said use of the products may lead to tolerance, physical dependence and potentially opioid addiction. They may also interact with legal and illegal drugs in unknown ways.
The federal Food and Drug Administration advises that kratom poses a threat to public health and has the potential for abuse, according to the state alert.
The DEA temporarily classified mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 as Schedule I drugs in August. The federal order took effect Aug. 26 and is scheduled to remain in effect through Aug. 26, 2028, unless extended or made permanent.
Under New Jersey law, when the federal government schedules a drug and the director of the Division of Consumer Affairs does not object, the drug automatically becomes scheduled in New Jersey. Peterson did not object to the scheduling of the three compounds, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
