DEA Bans Synthetic Kratom in NYC; Stores Continue Sales Despite Federal Order
What happened
The Drug Enforcement Administration issued an emergency order in August classifying two synthetic kratom compounds, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI) and dihydro-7-hydroxy mitragynine (MGM-15), as federal Schedule I controlled substances. A Post investigation found that eight of 52 smoke shops in New York City were selling products containing these banned synthetics. Selling these substances can result in up to 20 years in prison.
From nypost.com
Why it matters
The federal ban and continued sales create a public health risk, as the substances were found at the scenes of suspected overdose deaths. The classification of the substances as federal Schedule I controlled substances increases the legal risk and regulatory burden for retailers in New York City.
From nypost.com
Who's involved
- Drug Enforcement AdministrationFederal agency that issued the emergency ban on synthetic kratom.
- New York CityLocation where the prohibited synthetic kratom is being sold.
- City of New YorkMunicipal government of New York City.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- City of New YorkSpeculative
Could see increased operational costs and regulatory burden due to the public health crisis.
- WalmartSpeculative
Could be required to immediately cease sales of the banned substance.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Deadly synthetic kratom sales strain public health servicesContinued sale of deadly synthetic kratom strains public health servicesLikely
- Continued illegal kratom sales strain New York City's public health responseThe City of New York faces increased operational strain from illegal synthetic kratom salesLikely
- Walmart may face regulatory risk over banned synthetic kratomWalmart may face regulatory risk over banned synthetic kratomPossible
- How could the continued sale of banned synthetic kratom affect Jessica Tisch?Continued illegal sales of banned synthetic kratom may force increased police action in New York City.Possible
- Synthetic kratom sales crisis may challenge Eric Adams's public safety effortsThe DEA ban on synthetic kratom may force Eric Adams to address a public safety crisisPossible
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The entities involved
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Drug Enforcement Administration
United States federal law enforcement agency
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New York City
most populous city in the United States