States Target Kratom's Potent Alkaloid to Plug a Regulatory Loophole

States including California, Missouri, and Iowa are now naming 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) in their kratom restrictions—not just the parent alkaloid mitragynine. 7-OH is orders of magnitude more potent at opioid receptors. By targeting the specific compound, states are closing a gap: earlier bans on "kratom" allowed reformulated products with elevated 7-OH concentrations to remain on shelves. The shift reflects a maturing regulatory response.