VIVAZEN® Commends HHS Secretary Kennedy and DEA for Relying on Science to Protect Natural Kratom

VIVAZEN® urges policymakers nationwide to follow HHS’ science-based approach to protecting natural kratom

Phoenix, AZ – VIVAZEN®, a leading botanical wellness brand, today commended U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine, M.D., and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for relying on science to protect natural kratom.

On October 9, DEA issued a notice of intent to temporarily schedule 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and related compounds, reflecting an updated HHS recommendation intended to distinguish natural kratom from synthetic drugs. While this is not the final scheduling decision, it is an important step forward in the process. No formal scheduling action can take effect until at least 30 days from October 14, when the notice was published in the Federal Register.

“We are drawing a clear line between natural kratom and dangerous, enhanced opioid products,” said Secretary Kennedy, adding that HHS “listened to the public” and “followed the science.”

“Secretary Kennedy, Dr. Christine and DEA relied on the science, and the science shows that natural kratom is fundamentally different from synthetic drugs,” said Bryan Derr, Chief Operating Officer of VIVAZEN®. “That is exactly how drug policy should be made.”

HHS’ approach should also serve as a model for state and local policymakers nationwide. VIVAZEN® urges governors, state legislators, attorneys general and local officials to take note of how HHS relied on science to protect natural kratom, rather than pursue blanket bans that fail to distinguish the natural plant from synthetic drugs. VIVAZEN® supports Kratom Consumer Protection Acts, which pair rigorous testing, labeling and age requirements with clear limits on synthetic and non-naturally occurring ingredients.

“HHS followed the science, and the science supports protecting natural kratom,” Derr said. “Policymakers across the country should do the same.”

In August, VIVAZEN® launched the Safe Shelves Initiative, an industry-leading effort designed to help consumers and retailers distinguish legal, high-quality botanical products from illegal synthetic drugs, including 7-OH and related compounds. The initiative includes a growing database of independently tested products and educational resources for retailers and consumers.

The VIVAZEN® Commitment

VIVAZEN® products are formulated with safety and quality in mind. Each product undergoes third-party testing to ensure purity, strength, and compliance with our rigorous quality and safety standards. With increasing concerns about unlawful and potentially harmful products in the market, VIVAZEN® is committed to providing transparency and educating consumers on the responsible use of botanicals.

About VIVAZEN®

For over a decade, VIVAZEN® has delivered trusted, high-quality botanical supplements that provide people with functional wellness without compromise. Grounded in centuries of wellness practices and backed by modern innovation, VIVAZEN® products offer functional, feel-good alternatives for those who want to live — and feel — on their own terms. Join the millions who trust VIVAZEN® to Feel Great™ naturally. Visit us at www.vivazen.com.

Contacts

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