New Jersey Banned Three Synthetic Kratom Compounds
The state designated specific synthetic substances as Schedule I controlled substances following federal action.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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New Jersey has officially banned three synthetic kratom compounds, classifying mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 as Schedule I controlled substances. This shift aligns state policy with federal regulations identifying these specific compounds as public health threats.
Why it matters
The federal government and state authorities have categorized these synthetic compounds as having high potential for abuse and lacking legitimate medical use. While these specific variants are now prohibited, natural kratom products remain legal to purchase and possess in New Jersey.
New Jersey identified three synthetic kratom compounds, including mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, as Schedule I substances. No form of kratom has received FDA approval for medical use anywhere in the United States.
The players
Drug Enforcement Administration
The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing controlled substances legislation and classifying drugs.
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
The state agency responsible for the regulation of commercial products and consumer protection within New Jersey.
The details
The state ban took effect automatically after the Division of Consumer Affairs director declined to object to the Drug Enforcement Administration's August 2026 classification. Under state law, substances scheduled at the federal level automatically become restricted in New Jersey unless state officials intervene.
Timeline
The DEA issued the temporary Schedule I classification for the three compounds in August 2026.
The federal scheduling order officially took effect on August 26, 2026.
The substances became illegal under New Jersey state law on September 25, 2026.
Federal scheduling remains in effect until the expiration date of August 26, 2028.
The Big Picture
The New Jersey ban follows the classification standards set by the Federal Controlled Substances Act to restrict emerging synthetic substances. The state action aligns its own drug scheduling with the federal framework established by the Controlled Substances Act.
Consumers who use kratom products should be aware that these three specific synthetic variants are now illegal to possess or distribute in the state. Since no kratom products are medically approved, users should remain cautious regarding the chemical composition of any supplements they purchase.
The takeaway
While the state has restricted these high-risk synthetic compounds, natural kratom products are not affected by this specific ruling. Residents are advised to verify product labeling to ensure they are not inadvertently possessing substances now classified as Schedule I.
What happens next
The federal scheduling order for mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 is set to expire on August 26, 2028, unless it is extended by federal authorities.
Further reading
For more information on state policies, visit the Substance Abuse section.
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Should states ban synthetic compounds that have been classified as Schedule I by federal authorities?
