MGM-15: general

MGM-15 is dihydro-7-hydroxy mitragynine, a synthetic derivative of the kratom alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine and structurally similar to other kratom alkaloids.[1] Chemically it's the 1,2-dihydro version of 7-hydroxymitragynine, made through saturation of a double bond in the parent molecule.[1][2] That change increases its binding affinity at the mu-opioid receptor and delta-opioid receptor compared to 7-hydroxymitragynine.[1][3][2] It acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist, reported in some sources as a partial agonist.[1][4]

The most important thing to know: this is an opioid, and a strong one. It's reported to be roughly 30 times more potent than mitragynine, the main kratom alkaloid.[5] Preclinical studies report analgesic effects more potent than morphine.[4] The DEA has stated that as a potent mu-opioid agonist, MGM-15 carries the same categories of risk as morphine and fentanyl — physical and psychological dependence, and respiratory depression.[4]

MGM-15 is sold in the US as a "research chemical," in tablet, powder, and liquid form, despite no human studies and no FDA approval.[3][5] Tablets sold under MGM-15 branding have been measured at an average of about 10.9 mg per tablet.[3] Because there is no human dosing data, anyone using it is working blind: potency is high and individual tablet content varies. Start far lower than seems reasonable, don't use alone, and don't combine with other depressants.

Legally, the DEA placed MGM-15 in Schedule I on a temporary basis from August 26, 2026 to August 26, 2028, after finding it posed an imminent hazard to public safety.[6] That order carries criminal, civil, and administrative penalties for anyone who handles the substance.[6]

References

1. Dihydro-7-Hydroxy Mitragynine — NPS Discovery New Drug Monograph (Nov 2025) — Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), NPS Discovery
2. MGM-15 (Wikipedia) — Wikipedia
3. From Kratom to Semi-Synthetic Opioids: The Rise and Risks of MGM-15 — Gour et al., Drug Testing and Analysis 2025;17(12):2384-2389 (via PubMed)
4. Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I — US Drug Enforcement Administration — Federal Register, 91 FR 40909 (2026-07-06)
5. Dihydro-7-Hydroxy Mitragynine (MGM-15) — Public Alert, test purchases May 2026 — Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), NPS Discovery
6. Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I (temporary scheduling order) — US Drug Enforcement Administration — Federal Register, 91 FR 54948 (2026-08-26)