END 7-OH Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8000
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-26T20:00:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "End Needless Distribution of 7-OH Act" (END 7-OH Act) aims to regulate synthetic versions of 7-hydroxymitragynine, a compound related to kratom, by classifying it as a highly restricted substance under federal drug laws. This targets synthetic production and distribution to curb potential abuse, while protecting naturally occurring forms in the kratom plant.
Key Provisions
- Addition to Controlled Substances Act (CSA): Amends Schedule I of the CSA (21 U.S.C. 812(c)), which lists drugs with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use, by adding 7-hydroxymitragynine.
- Scope of Scheduling:
- Includes synthetic equivalents (lab-made versions identical or similar in chemical structure).
- Excludes 7-hydroxymitragynine naturally found in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.), ensuring that natural kratom remains unaffected.
- Short Title: Officially named the "END 7-OH Act," introduced on March 19, 2026, by Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Judiciary.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- New Classification: Introduces synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine as a Schedule I substance, prohibiting its manufacture, distribution, importation, or possession without federal authorization. Previously, it was not explicitly scheduled, allowing unregulated synthetic production.
- Narrow Focus: Differentiates between synthetic and natural forms, preserving the legal status of natural kratom under current law, which is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will gain authority to enforce stricter controls, including seizures, prosecutions, and monitoring of synthetic production. This may increase workload for federal law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
- Citizens: Individuals producing, selling, or using synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine could face severe penalties (e.g., fines, imprisonment) under Schedule I rules. Natural kratom users are unaffected, potentially reducing risks for traditional herbal supplement consumers.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but could influence U.S. trade or import policies for kratom-related products from countries like Thailand or Indonesia, where natural kratom is common.
- Public Health: Aims to prevent misuse of synthetic versions, which may mimic opioid effects and pose overdose risks, while allowing access to unregulated natural kratom, which some use for pain relief or opioid withdrawal.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law Enforcement and Regulators: DEA, FDA, and local police, who will enforce the new prohibitions.
- Producers and Sellers: Manufacturers of synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (e.g., in supplements or research) face bans; natural kratom vendors remain operational.
- Consumers and Patients: Users of synthetic products risk criminal charges; natural kratom enthusiasts and those relying on it for alternative medicine are protected.
- Advocacy Groups: Kratom supporters (e.g., American Kratom Association) may welcome the exclusion of natural forms; anti-drug organizations could support the scheduling to combat synthetic opioids.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the CSA's framework for analog substances (chemically similar drugs), potentially setting a precedent for future synthetic drug regulations without broadly impacting plant-based products. Schedule I status implies no recognized medical value, which could limit research on synthetics.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate drug trade; no apparent challenges to due process, as the bill specifies clear exemptions.
- Political: Reflects ongoing debates on opioid crisis responses and alternative medicines like kratom, which has state-level bans in some areas. Bipartisan committee referral suggests potential for broader drug policy reforms, but the narrow focus avoids controversy over natural kratom legalization efforts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- End Needless Distribution of 7-OH Act — issued 2026-03-19 — PDF (2 pages)