Michigan Leaders Must Distinguish Natural Kratom Leaf from Dangerous Synthetic Derivatives

Lawmakers consider blanket kratom ban, but conflating centuries-old botanical with synthetic opioids is a dangerous mistake

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A vibrant, neon-outlined illustration of a Mitragyna speciosa leaf, conceptually representing the natural form of kratom and the need to distinguish it from synthetic derivatives.As lawmakers consider a blanket kratom ban, experts warn against conflating a centuries-old botanical with dangerous synthetic opioids.Lansing Today

The conversation around natural kratom leaf and concentrated synthetic derivatives is heating up in Lansing, as state lawmakers consider a blanket ban on all forms of kratom. But Michigan leaders are making a dangerous mistake in conflating a centuries-old botanical with chemically engineered opioids. This key distinction is worth repeating: Not all kratom products are the same.

Why it matters

Natural kratom leaf originated in Southeast Asia and has been safely used as a dietary supplement in the U.S. since the 1970s. However, over the last few years, illicit manufacturers have discovered a method to synthesize and concentrate a kratom alkaloid called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) into lab-made products that pose significant risks of dependence, overdose, and respiratory suppression. These synthetic products bear no resemblance to the natural kratom leaf that Americans have been consuming safely for over 50 years.

The details

Natural kratom leaf contains only trace amounts (less than 0.04 percent by weight) of 7-OH, presenting minimal health concerns to consumers. In contrast, concentrated synthetic 7-OH products can contain more than 100 times the amount of 7-OH found in natural kratom leaf, and researchers have found them to be up to 13 times more potent than morphine. Opioid treatment centers and addiction specialists are racing to stop the proliferation of these synthetic street drugs, which are fueling a new wave of the opioid epidemic.

  • In July 2025, the FDA recommended that concentrated synthetic 7-OH be classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
  • Florida and Kentucky have moved to emergency-schedule 7-OH as a Schedule I narcotic, making it illegal to sell, possess, or distribute concentrated synthetic 7-OH in those states.

The players

Marty Makary

FDA Commissioner who clarified that the agency was 'not targeting the kratom leaf or ground-up kratom' but rather 'a concentrated synthetic byproduct that is an opioid', and that natural kratom leaf presents 'minimal health concerns'.

Dr. Joshua Smith

A Michigan medical provider who said 'kratom' did not constitute a crisis one year ago, but now 20 percent of their inpatient units are overrun with patients who have full-blown addictions to synthetic, highly concentrated products.

Melody Woolf

A Michigan resident who spoke at the FDA's scheduling news conference last year, representing law-abiding Michiganders who use natural kratom leaf products responsibly.

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What they’re saying

“We are targeting a concentrated synthetic byproduct that is an opioid.”

— Marty Makary, FDA Commissioner

“Kratom' did not constitute a crisis one year ago. Now, 20 percent of our inpatient units are overrun with patients who have full-blown addictions.”

— Dr. Joshua Smith, Michigan medical provider

What’s next

Federal regulators have taken notice of this increasing threat to U.S. consumers. In July 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that concentrated synthetic 7-OH be classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Florida and Kentucky have moved to emergency-schedule 7-OH as a Schedule I narcotic, making it illegal to sell, possess, or distribute concentrated synthetic 7-OH in those states.

The takeaway

Michigan lawmakers should focus on banning only concentrated synthetic 7-OH products, while enacting commonsense regulations like age restrictions, mandatory third-party testing, and labeling requirements for natural kratom leaf products. This dual-track approach aligns with the recommendations of the FDA and follows the blueprints adopted by other states fighting the synthetic drug crisis.