Comment from P, J, HHS-OASH-2026-0232, HHS-OASH-2026-0232-0001, 2026-13608
J POtherIndividual
Summary: The commenter, writing as an individual, argues against a total ban on 7-hydroxymitragynine and instead advocates for a regulatory approach. They suggest implementing potency caps, honest labeling, third-party testing, and age limits rather than scheduling the substance.
I am writing in response to the HHS request for information on 7-hydroxymitragynine (Docket HHS-OASH-2026-0232). I want to put a real person's experience on the record, because this decision will be made about people like me.
There is a middle path the Department should take seriously — regulate, don't ban: potency caps per serving, honest labeling, independent third-party lab testing, and a strict 21-and-over age limit.
The Department has been here before. In 2016 an emergency ban on these same compounds was proposed, more than 23,000 public comments came in, and the notice was withdrawn (81 FR 70652). I am asking for the same willingness to listen now.
Thank you for taking the time to read individual comments. Please regulate 7-OH — don't ban it.