The Brief Synthetic kratom manufacturers created a new chemical compound called MGM-15 after Florida banned the potent drug 7-OH. Rather than halting sales, synthetic kratom producers altered their chemical formulas to evade the ban. Florida synthetic kratom banWhat we know:By synthesizing the plant's active compounds slightly differently, chemists replaced 7-OH with an alternative derivative called MGM-15. Kratom addiction crisisThe backstory:Natural kratom consists of ground tree leaves native to Southeast Asia, where it has long been used as a herbal supplement to manage pain, stress and anxiety. Federal kratom scheduling timelineWhat's next:The federal government is currently taking steps toward a nationwide ban on synthetic kratom compounds, though the timeline for federal scheduling remains unclear.