Bill to classify synthetic kratom compound as Schedule I drug advances in New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. — Legislation that would classify a synthetic kratom compound as a Schedule I controlled substance in New Jersey advanced from a Senate committee, state officials said.

The bill, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Shirley K. Turner, would add 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH, to Schedule I under the New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. Substances in that category are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

Lawmakers said the compound is the primary psychoactive component in kratom products and has been associated with opioid-like effects.

“New Jersey continues to battle an opioid addiction crisis that has taken a devastating toll on families and communities,” said Senator Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). “We are now seeing highly concentrated kratom compounds like 7-hydroxymitragynine, sometimes referred to as ‘gas station heroin,’ being sold with little oversight despite their powerful opioid-like effects. This legislation would ensure that this dangerous substance is properly classified so that we are not allowing another addictive product to quietly take hold in our communities.”

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, no kratom-based products are currently approved for prescription or over-the-counter use in the United States. The agency has warned about potential public health risks associated with the compound and has taken action against products containing high concentrations of it.

Under the proposed legislation, manufacturing, distributing or possessing 7-OH with intent to distribute would carry criminal penalties. Offenses involving one ounce or more would be considered second-degree crimes, while those involving less than one ounce would be classified as third-degree crimes.

The bill would take effect immediately if signed into law.