POUGHKEEPSIE- Dutchess County Legislature Democrats have introduced a local law to ban the sale and distribution of concentrated and synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, potent kratom derivatives commonly sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops.
The proposal targets high-potency concentrates and lab-made analogs while allowing adults to continue purchasing natural kratom leaf for traditional uses.
The measure would prohibit products exceeding a defined 7-OH concentration threshold and ban synthetic derivatives, including MGM-15, MGM-16 and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, as well as future chemically similar compounds. It also would impose escalating civil penalties on violators and extend enforcement to online retailers shipping prohibited products into Dutchess County.
The proposal differs from an earlier plan by County Executive Sue Serino, which would have banned the sale of all kratom products, including natural leaf. Democratic lawmakers said their measure instead focuses on concentrated and synthetic derivatives while preserving access to natural kratom. The bill also includes stricter enforcement provisions, including escalating penalties for repeat violations, separate penalties for each prohibited product sold and enforcement authority over online retailers shipping banned products into Dutchess County.
Assistant Majority Leader Kristofer Munn, D-Red Hook, said the legislation distinguishes natural kratom and chemically enhanced products.
“We are banning the dangerous concentrates and the lab-made analogs, not criminalizing the responsible adult who chooses the natural leaf,” Munn said.
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia whose leaves have long been used for energy and pain relief. While natural kratom contains only trace amounts of 7-OH, manufacturers have begun producing concentrated and synthetic versions that can produce opioid-like effects and increase the risk of dependence and overdose, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The DEA announced July 1 that it intends to temporarily classify concentrated 7-OH above a specified threshold, along with several synthetic derivatives, as Schedule I controlled substances.
The proposed local law is scheduled to be considered Thursday by the Legislature’s Government Services and Administration Committee before advancing to the full Legislature for a vote.
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