DEA Postpones Classifying Kratom As A Schedule 1 Narcotic
On August 31, 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) decided it was going to temporarily make mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine a schedule I narcotic.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are psycoactive chemicals in the plant Mitragyna speciosa, which is referred to as kratom. The public has gone into an uproar and challenged the DEA’s move and has demanded the DEA reconsider its position.
Kratom proponents support its ability to help them manage their pain and to help them overcome their addiction to opiates. Drugs are place on the schedule 1 list when they are deemed to have no medical value.
The DEA has listened to the public and has withdrawn its August 31, 2016 notice of intent.[1] It is now waiting on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to give medical evaluation of these compounds.
The DEA withdrew the comment on October 13, 2016 and will leave the comment period open until December 1. 2016. People will be able to submit comments for public record through electronic submission and through written comments on or before December 1, 2016.
Please reference “Docket No. DEA-442W” to ensure proper handling of documents:
Electronic comments: The Drug Enforcement Administration encourages that all comments be submitted electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, which provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on the Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Please go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions at that site for submitting comments.
Paper comments: Paper comments that duplicate the electronic submission are not necessary and are discouraged. Should you wish to mail a paper comment in lieu of an electronic comment, it should be sent via regular or express mail to: Drug Enforcement Administration, Attn: DEA Federal Register Representative/ODW, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia 22152.
