Is 9-OH (9-hydroxycorynantheidine) Legal in Massachusetts? (2026)

Gray area

As of November 8, 2026, 9-OH (9-hydroxycorynantheidine) is in a legal gray area (sold in practice, exposed to an interpretive ban theory) in Massachusetts. Not named in DPH emergency kratom schedule 1 order (105 CMR 726); reach depends on the 'held out to be kratom' clause, eff. 2026-08-28 for one year. Controlling source: 105 CMR 726.000, Temporary placement of kratom in schedule 1 (emergency regulation).

Verified November 8, 2026 · confidence: under review

Is 9-OH Legal? Every state and federal law

WatchNo pending legislation, deadlines or enforcement actions on file for 9-OH in Massachusetts.
Rule type
emergency
Tier
Under review
Effective
2026-08-28
Sunset
2027-08-28

What the record says

Massachusetts DPH emergency regulation 105 CMR 726.000, issued under M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 2A, places 'kratom' in schedule 1 effective 2026-08-28 for up to one year (726.004, 726.005). 726.003 defines kratom as the plant mitragyna speciosa, mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15) and 9-fluoro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-16), with their isomers, esters, ethers and salts, and adds that kratom includes any product held out or holding itself out to be kratom. 9-OH is not named. It is not an isomer of any listed compound (C22H28N2O4 against C23 formulas), and it is not an ester or ether of mitragynine: mitragynine is the methyl ether of 9-OH, not the reverse. The plant entry does not expressly reach extracted or chemically converted alkaloids. Reach therefore turns on the open clause for a product held out to be kratom, which supplies no test, and on whether the product contains residual mitragynine or 7-OH, which are named. The text read on mass.gov on 2026-11-08 matched the archived copy used for the sibling rows (SHA-256 9a4131e6...). 726.006 makes possession or distribution of kratom by any food, retail or other commercial establishment an imminent health hazard on which local boards of health may act, up to summary suspension of permits. A DPH legal advisory states the regulation has no impact on criminal enforcement and that kratom is not in any class under c. 94C, s. 31. Massachusetts has no kratom consumer protection act and no age rule. The c. 94C, s. 1 analogue definition reaches only analogues of class A to E substances in s. 31, which list no kratom alkaloid. Trace 7-OH: 7-OH and mitragynine are named in the schedule 1 definition, so a product with detectable amounts of either sits closer to the express text. 9-OH is not federally scheduled; federal Analogue Act and FDA exposure are interpretive.

Controlling language, verbatim

Kratom. The plant mitragyna speciosa, mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7-OH), mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (also known as MP), dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as MGM-15), 9-fluoro-7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as MGM-16), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible. Kratom includes any product held out or holding itself out to be kratom. ... 726.004: Order Kratom is hereby placed in schedule 1 in accordance with M.G.L. c. 94C, § 2A.

Source of excerpt

Citations

  1. 105 CMR 726.000, Temporary placement of kratom in schedule 1 (emergency regulation) (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2026-11-08) PRIMARYOFFICIAL
  2. 105 CMR 726.000 regulation page (mass.gov) (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2026-11-08)OFFICIAL
  3. DPH legal advisory on kratom (2026) (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2026-11-08)OFFICIAL
  4. M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 2A (temporary placement in schedule I; local imminent health hazard enforcement) (Massachusetts Legislature, 2026-11-08)OFFICIAL
  5. M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 1 (controlled substance analogue tied to s. 31 classes) (Massachusetts Legislature, 2026-11-08)OFFICIAL
  6. M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 31 (classes of controlled substances; no kratom alkaloid) (Massachusetts Legislature, 2026-11-08)OFFICIAL

Where 9-OH (9-hydroxycorynantheidine) stands across the country

LegalRestrictedGray areaIllegalNot yet verified

Among Massachusetts's 5 neighbors, Rhode Island is illegal; New York is restricted; Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont are gray area.

Open the interactive map · Every compound in Massachusetts · Where 9-OH is banned · Embed this map

Federal posture

Not federally scheduled. Not federally scheduled: absent from 21 CFR 1308.11 and every DEA kratom-alkaloid order and notice; Analogue Act exposure is interpretive Federal detail

Verbatim law on file for Massachusetts

3 instruments on file for this compound’s framework in Massachusetts; 6 of 6 citations above are official sources. Each text carries its source and a fingerprint that changes when the law does.

105 CMR 726.000 (726.001 to 726.006) · Temporary placement of kratom in schedule 1 pursuant to M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 2A (emergency regulation)OFFICIAL
Instrument
Temporary placement of kratom in schedule 1 pursuant to M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 2A (emergency regulation)
Source
https://www.mass.gov/doc/105-cmr-726-temporary-placement-of-kratom-in-schedule-1-pursuant-to-mgl-c-94c-ss-2a-emergency-regulation/download
Retrieved
2026-10-29
Fingerprint
a15c437508adb8d4
105 CMR 726.000:

TEMPORARY PLACEMENT OF KRATOM IN SCHEDULE 1 PURSUANT TO
M.G.L. c. 94C, § 2A

Section

726.001:   Findings
726.002:   Purpose
726.003:   Definitions
726.004:   Order
726.005:   Effective Date
726.006:   Guidance to all Local and Regional Boards of Health

726.001:   Findings

(1) The Commissioner has considered kratom's actual or relative potential for abuse and its
history and current patterns of abuse and has found that kratom is an imminent hazard to the
public safety.

(2) The Commissioner has found:

(a) The order stated in 105 CMR 726.004 is necessary:

1. to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety; and,
2. for the preservation of the public health, safety or general welfare.

(b) Kratom is not listed in any other schedule identified in M.G.L. c. 94C, § 3.
(c) No exception is in effect for kratom pursuant to M.G.L. c. 94C. § 4.
(d) Kratom is not excluded under M.G.L. c. 94C. § 2(c).

(3) Based  on  the  foregoing,  the  Commissioner  has  found  that  the  immediate  adoption  of
105 CMR 726.000 is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, and  general
welfare.

726.002:   Purpose

The  purpose of 105 CMR  726.000 is  to  place Kratom in  schedule 1 of M.G.L. c. 94C:

Controlled Substances Act.

726.003:   Definitions

Commissioner.  The Commissioner of Public Health.

Kratom.  The plant mitragyna speciosa,  mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as
7-OH), mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (also known as MP), dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (also
known as MGM-15), 9-fluoro-7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as MGM-16), including their
isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of
such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible.  Kratom includes any product held out or
holding itself out to be kratom.

Board of Health or Local Board of Health or Regional Board of Health.  The appropriate and
legally designated health authority of the city, town, or other legally constituted governmental
unit within the Commonwealth having the usual powers and duties of the board of health or
health department of a city or town.

Schedule.  As defined in M.G.L. c. 94C, § 1.

726.004:   Order

Kratom is hereby placed in schedule 1 in accordance with M.G.L. c. 94C, § 2A.

8/28/26

4050.1

EMERGENCY

(Mass. Register #1581, 08/28/2026, emergency reg.)

105 CMR:   DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

726.005:   Effective Date

The effective date of 105 CMR 726.000 shall be August 28, 2026.  105 CMR 726.000 shall
remain in effect for one year from its effective date unless the Commissioner finds during the
intervening period that the order stated in 105 CMR 726.004 is no longer necessary.

726.006:   Guidance to all Local and Regional Boards of Health

Possession or distribution of kratom by any food, retail or other commercial establishment
shall constitute an imminent health hazard.  While the order stated in 105 CMR 726.004 is in
effect, a board of health or an authorized agent, the local inspection department or the equivalent,
or a municipal government or its agent may, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 111, § 30 and any regulation
promulgated  pursuant  thereto,  take  any  enforcement  action  consistent  with  a  finding  of  an
imminent health hazard, up to and including summary suspension of a municipal license or
permit held by the establishment including, but not limited to, a permit to operate.
105 CMR 726.003 to 726.006 · Temporary placement of kratom in schedule 1: definition, order, effective date, local guidanceOFFICIAL
Instrument
Temporary placement of kratom in schedule 1: definition, order, effective date, local guidance
Source
https://www.mass.gov/doc/105-cmr-726-temporary-placement-of-kratom-in-schedule-1-pursuant-to-mgl-c-94c-ss-2a-emergency-regulation/download
Retrieved
2026-11-08
Fingerprint
8dd506d09cc6a525
Kratom. The plant mitragyna speciosa, mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as
7-OH), mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (also known as MP), dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (also
known as MGM-15), 9-fluoro-7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as MGM-16), including their
isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of
such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible. Kratom includes any product held out or
holding itself out to be kratom.

726.004: Order
Kratom is hereby placed in schedule 1 in accordance with M.G.L. c. 94C, § 2A.

726.005: Effective Date
The effective date of 105 CMR 726.000 shall be August 28, 2026. 105 CMR 726.000 shall
remain in effect for one year from its effective date unless the Commissioner finds during the
intervening period that the order stated in 105 CMR 726.004 is no longer necessary.

726.006: Guidance to all Local and Regional Boards of Health
Possession or distribution of kratom by any food, retail or other commercial establishment
shall constitute an imminent health hazard. While the order stated in 105 CMR 726.004 is in
effect, a board of health or an authorized agent, the local inspection department or the equivalent,
or a municipal government or its agent may, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 111, § 30 and any regulation
promulgated pursuant thereto, take any enforcement action consistent with a finding of an
imminent health hazard, up to and including summary suspension of a municipal license or
permit held by the establishment including, but not limited to, a permit to operate.
The Commissioner may issue other guidance under 105 CMR 726.006 as may be necessary.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94C, Sec. 1 (Controlled Substances Act; Definitions) · Definitions -- 'Controlled substance analogue' (and related 'Controlled substance', 'Tetrahydrocannabinol', and 'Marihuana' definitions)OFFICIAL
Instrument
Definitions -- 'Controlled substance analogue' (and related 'Controlled substance', 'Tetrahydrocannabinol', and 'Marihuana' definitions)
Source
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter94C/Section1
Retrieved
2026-07-02
Fingerprint
9a0f4c5c022d2a01
Section 1. As used in this chapter, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:

“Controlled substance”, a drug, substance, controlled substance analogue or immediate precursor in any schedule or class referred to in this chapter.

"Controlled substance analogue", (i) a drug or substance with a chemical structure substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled substance in Class A, B, C, D or E, listed in section 31 and which has a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than the stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system of a controlled substance in Class A, B, C, D or E, listed in said section 31; or (ii) a drug or substance with a chemical structure substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled substance in Class A, B, C, D or E, listed in said section 31 and with respect to a particular person, which such person represents or intends to have a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than the stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system of a controlled substance in Class A, B, C, D or E, listed in said section 31; provided, however, that "controlled substance analogue" shall not include: (1) a controlled substance; (2) any substance for which there is an approved new drug application; (3) with respect to a particular person, any substance for which there is an exception in effect for investigational use for that person, under section 8, to the extent conduct with respect to the substance is pursuant to such exemption; or (4) any substance not intended for human consumption before such an exemption takes effect with respect to that substance; provided, however, that for the purposes of this chapter, a "controlled substance analogue" shall be treated as the Class A, B, C, D or E substance of which it is a controlled substance analogue.

"Marihuana", all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; and resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin. It does not include the mature stalks of the plant, industrial hemp as defined in section 116 of chapter 128, fiber produced from the stalks, oil, or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks, except the resin extracted therefrom, fiber, oil, or cake or the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable of germination.

"Tetrahydrocannabinol", tetrahydrocannabinol or preparations containing tetrahydrocannabinol excluding marihuana except when it has been established that the concentration of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in said marihuana exceeds two and one-half per cent.

9-OH (9-hydroxycorynantheidine) in neighboring states

9-OH in 45 other states

Closest to 9-OH in Massachusetts

36 other compounds in Massachusetts

Cite this page

Compound Analytics. “Is 9-OH Legal in Massachusetts? Updated Nov 2026.” Compound Laws, https://compoundlaws.com/compounds/9-oh/massachusetts/. Accessed November 13, 2026.

Compound Laws, published by Compound Analytics, reports the record: statutes verbatim, official citations, enforcement facts and verification dates. Nothing here is legal advice and nothing here describes how to get around a law. A jurisdiction with no verified row is reported as not yet verified, never as legal. Found an error? Corrections policy.

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