NYC Smoke Shops Illegally Selling Banned Synthetic Kratom, Investigation Finds
Products containing federally banned compounds like MGPI and MGM-15 are being sold, despite potential prison sentences.
A New York Post investigation has revealed that synthetic kratom products, containing compounds federally banned by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are being sold in smoke shops across New York City. These substances, including mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI) and dihydro-7-hydroxy mitragynine (MGM-15), are classified as federal Schedule I controlled substances, and their sale carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
During a two-week span, The Post visited 52 shops and found eight, approximately 15%, selling products containing these banned synthetics. Some of these products also contained 7-Hydroxy mitragynine (7-OH), a kratom-derived compound legal in New York, known for being significantly stronger than morphine.
The increased scrutiny on synthetic kratom follows its alleged presence at the suspected overdose deaths of University of Mississippi students Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20. Authorities found illegal forms of the drug at the scenes. Two men have been charged in connection with selling narcotics to the students, with one defense attorney stating that one of the deceased died from combined substance use and the other from asphyxiation. A federal filing indicated toxicology reports found MGPI, MGM-15, and mitragynine in both students' systems.
In Utah, officials recently issued a warning after four deaths were linked to a substance called "cat's claw" substance containing "dangerous semi-synthetic kratom chemicals." A founder of Kratom Danger Awareness, Wendy Chamberlain, whose son died in 2020 from an accidental kratom overdose, expressed concern over the ongoing issue.
Kratom, a plant originating from Southeast Asia, can mimic the effects of stimulants and opioids. In small amounts, it can increase energy, while larger doses act as a depressant or sedative. Synthetic variants can be exponentially more potent.
Employees at several New York City stores openly admitted to selling products containing MGPI or MGM-15, with some appearing unaware or indifferent to the federal ban. One product, a Kama brand item called "7-Hydroxy+Psuedoindyl," which contained MGPI, was found at New City Smoke Shop. An employee at East Village Smoke Shop suggested the product was hard to find because it was "about to be banned."
The compound MGPI is reportedly 31 times stronger than 7-OH. While some employees acknowledged customer preference for the more potent products, a health inspector had previously warned one store about the tablets becoming illegal. Employees at multiple locations expressed uncertainty about the current legal status of the substances they were selling.
At Ditmars Organic Convenience in Astoria, an employee used an iPad to display illicit products from brands like Kama and Opia, which contained pseudoindoxyl. East Village Smoke Shop also sold tablets from the brand Rush containing MGM-15 and MGPI, with staff unaware they were already illegal.
Customers reported that these products provide increased energy and focus, though one employee observed that users appeared significantly weakened after consumption. The ingredients found in these products are similar to those in the "SMAX Pseudo-DHM" tablets linked to the Ole Miss student deaths.
Amidst these findings, the Department of Justice announced plans to ban 7-OH, adding it to the federal Schedule I controlled substances list. This move, once enacted, would make its sale punishable by up to 20 years in prison, similar to MGPI and MGM-15. A state bill in New York to outlaw 7-OH is currently under review by Governor Kathy Hochul. Assemblyman Phil Steck, the bill's sponsor, has criticized previous warning labels as "watered down" due to industry lobbying.
Local lawmakers and anti-kratom advocates are calling for stricter measures. Several counties in New York have already banned kratom, and some state Republicans advocate for a complete statewide prohibition. Pharmacist Jennifer Brandt noted that synthetic kratom can lead to opioid-like toxicities, respiratory depression, and death, while even botanical kratom can cause seizures and liver failure.