VIVAZEN^®, a leading botanical wellness brand, today praised the Florida Attorney General’s emergency scheduling of synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), calling the targeted action a public health win that protects consumers while preserving access to responsibly formulated kratom products.

Effective August 12, 2025, the emergency rule adds 7-OH at concentrations above 1% by total weight to Schedule I of Florida’s controlled substances list. Crucially, the rule clarifies that “This designation does not apply to mitragynine,” the naturally occurring alkaloid found in kratom leaf. This distinction mirrors recent federal recommendations to classify synthetic 7-OH, not kratom, as a Schedule I substance.

“Florida got this exactly right,” said Steve Curtis, CEO of VIVAZEN^®. “Synthetic 7-OH is a chemically manipulated derivative with opioid-like risks. By targeting the synthetic drug without criminalizing the natural plant, Florida is protecting consumers and advancing a model of science-based regulation.”

VIVAZEN^® has long advocated for regulatory clarity and quality assurance across the botanical category. All VIVAZEN^® products are derived from natural kratom leaf and extract, with no synthetic additives. As part of its quality commitment, VIVAZEN^® proactively tests every batch for 7-OH and confirms it is not detected.

“Every product we release undergoes rigorous third-party testing for alkaloid profile, microbial safety, heavy metals, and adulterants,” added Curtis. “That includes routine testing for 7-OH, even though we don’t use it. It’s about trust.”

This announcement comes amid heightened national concern over unregulated synthetic 7-OH. VIVAZEN^® supports state-level Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPAs) and is actively involved in real-world evidence (RWE) studies to evaluate kratom’s benefits in daily use.

“We welcome oversight that distinguishes real kratom from harmful counterfeits and synthetics,” said Curtis. “Florida’s action should be a national blueprint.”

To learn more about VIVAZEN^®’s science, sourcing, and product safety, visit www.vivazen.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250814193523/en/

“We welcome oversight that distinguishes real kratom from harmful counterfeits and synthetics,” said Curtis. “Florida’s action should be a national blueprint.”