An Oklahoma lawmaker is preparing legislation that could dramatically change how certain kratom-derived products are sold in Oklahoma, citing concerns over highly concentrated and synthetically enhanced compounds linked to deaths across the state. Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, announced Sept. 18 that he intends to pursue legislation during the 61st Oklahoma Legislature that would place several kratom-derived compounds under Schedule I of the Oklahoma Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act.
The proposal would target 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, along with mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and dihydro7-hydroxymitragynine, or MGM-15. Turner, a former sheriff and longtime narcotics officer, said his concern is focused particularly on concentrated and synthetically enhanced products that are increasingly available at convenience stores and other retail locations.
According to information from the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 38 deaths from January through June 2026 involved one of the identified compoundsalone.Another73 deaths involved at least one of the compounds in combination with another intoxicating drug or substance.
The numbers have placed a new focus on products that can be purchased legally in many Oklahoma communities, sometimes alongside ordinaryconsumergoods.For customers, the products can appear as another item on a store shelf, almost as casually as a familiar line from a song: “Inside the pocket of your ripped jeans / Holdin' me closer 'til our eyes meet.”
However, lawmakers are now questioning whether some concentrated kratom products belong in that same retail environment at all. The medical examiner's office has reported that deaths associated with mitragynine alkaloids have increased, with particular concern surrounding 7-OH and related compounds.
Health officials have said the substances can produce opioid-like effects and that combining them with alcohol, medications or other sedating substances can increase the risk of severe respiratory depression and death. Turner's proposal comes as Oklahoma already has laws governing kratom products.
Legislation enacted in 2025 established requirements concerning what can legally be sold as a kratom productinOklahoma.Among other provisions, the law prohibits products containing more than 1% 7-hydroxymitragynine within the alkaloid composition, prohibits synthesized kratom alkaloids and requires labeling and testing information.
The law also prohibits the sale of kratom products to anyone younger than 18. Turner's proposal would go beyond those consumerprotection requirements by seeking to classify specified compounds as controlled dangerous substances.
Thatdistinctioncouldhave significant consequences for manufacturers, distributors and retailers if the legislation becomes law. Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Director Donnie Anderson said the agency's current authority is limited because the compounds Turner is targeting are not presently listed as controlled dangerous substances underOklahomalaw.
Anderson said synthetically enhanced kratom products are contributing to an increase in overdoses and deaths, while the current classification limits the bureau's ability to investigate suppliers and shut down distributors. Turner has said the legislation will also examine potential criminal and civil accountability for manufacturers and distributors when evidence shows their products contributed to deaths or serious injuries.
Theproposalcomesamida broader national debate over highly concentrated 7-OH products. Federal health officials have also moved toward greater regulation of certain 7-OH products and synthetic derivatives, while distinguishingthoseproducts from traditional natural kratom leaf that does not contain enhanced levels of 7-OH.
That distinction is likely to be important as Oklahoma lawmakers consider the proposal. Natural kratom and concentratedkratom-derived products are not necessarily the same thing.
Oklahoma's existing law defines a legal kratom product around natural kratom leaf or extract, while placing limits on 7-OH levels and prohibiting synthesized kratom alkaloids. Turner said his goal is to address products he considers a growing threat, particularly to younger consumers.
“Our youth are more important than a dollar,” Turner said in announcing the legislation. “There is no amount of tax revenue, retail sales or industry profit that is worth the life of an Oklahoma child.”
The proposal is still in the development stage. Turner said he is working with law enforcement officials and prosecutors and plans to consult legislators, medical professionals and families affected by kratom-related deaths.
The first session of the 61st OklahomaLegislaturebegins Feb. 1, 2027. The deadline for introducing bills for that session is Jan. 14.
Until lawmakers act, Oklahoma's existing kratom regulations remain in place, including restrictions on 7-OH concentration, synthetic alkaloids, labeling, testing and sales to minors. For Oklahoma retailers and consumers, the coming legislative session could determine whether the state continues regulating kratom products through concentration, labeling and testing requirements, or moves toward criminally controlling specific compounds altogether.