DEA Schedules Widely Available Opioid Compounds as Controlled Substances

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced it will classify three opioid compounds as controlled substances, in an effort to prevent their spread among the public. This temporary decision, published in the Federal Register, aims to curb the risk of overdose incidents and addiction. The compounds in question, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16, have been linked to numerous overdose cases in recent years.

Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, in particular, was responsible for at least 56 confirmed overdoses, with 48 resulting in death. MGM-15 was tied to 17 overdoses, 16 of which were fatal. The DEA's action is based on the compounds' potential to cause harm, despite their botanical origins. The products often bear deceptive marketing claims, such as the presence of kratom, when in fact they primarily contain concentrated alkaloids with opioid properties.

These products are commonly sold in appealing forms, such as flavored chewable tablets, powders, and liquid shots, aimed at a younger demographic. Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the potency of these opioids and their potential for abuse, especially when marketed as safe and controlled. The Justice Department is taking proactive measures to address the growing threat posed by these substances before they can cause broader harm.