VIVAZEN® Launches Safe Shelves Initiative to Help Protect Consumers and Retailers from Illegal 7-OH and Other Synthetic Drugs

Industry-leading program promotes transparency, independent testing, and education to distinguish legal botanicals from illegal synthetic drugs

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VIVAZEN®, the nation’s leading botanical wellness brand, announced the launch of the Safe Shelves Initiative, a new industry-leading effort designed to help consumers and retailers identify legal, high-quality botanical products and distinguish them from the illegal synthetic drugs, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and related compounds, masquerading as natural wellness products. The initiative follows the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) decision to classify 7-OH and three related substances (pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16) as Schedule I drugs and builds upon it to help retailers protect their customers by removing dangerous synthetic drugs and adulterated botanicals off their shelves.

The Safe Shelves Initiative is designed to serve as a resource to businesses across America to ensure products sold on their shelves are compliant and legal, while avoiding consumer and retailer confusion. The goal of Safe Shelves is to provide a centralized repository of information about products that have been independently tested for the presence of 7-OH and other synthetic drugs. Additionally, Safe Shelves will be a one-stop shop for educational resources to identify natural botanical products as well as tools to help retailers reduce the risk of unknowingly buying and selling unlawful products that could subject them to criminal liability. As outlined in the DEA’s emergency scheduling order, products containing 7-OH and other illegal drugs must be pulled from shelves as early as August 5, 2026.

“As retailers move quickly to comply with DEA's 7-OH scheduling decision, many are facing questions and confusion about which products they are legally permitted to sell. For these retailers, many of which are small business operators, serving customers while remaining compliant is key,” said Mike Valenti, SVP of Sales at VIVAZEN®. “The Safe Shelves Initiative is designed to reduce the known harms of 7-OH by arming our industry partners with clear resources on how to navigate this transition with confidence. It will help them keep illegal synthetic drugs out of their stores while continuing to serve their customers responsibly.”

The Safe Shelves Initiative will provide various easily-accessible resources to help consumers and retailers identify compliant products and distinguish them from harmful, illegal drugs, including:

• A growing database of products that have been independently tested and identified as containing illegal drugs,
• Educational materials for consumers and retailers including certificates of analysis to ensure that they are choosing high-quality botanical products, and
• Tools for retailers and law enforcement agencies to aid in the identification of illegal drugs versus compliant products that should remain on the shelves.

The initiative reflects VIVAZEN®'s long-standing commitment to consumer safety, product transparency, and responsible manufacturing. Every VIVAZEN® product is manufactured under rigorous Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and undergoes third-party testing to ensure purity, proper potency, and compliance.

VIVAZEN® also plans to expand the Safe Shelves Initiative through partnerships with leading organizations across retail, scientific research, and public safety. Future phases of the initiative are expected to include collaborations with industry partners, as well as universities, and other interested parties to strengthen product testing and share information that helps protect both retailers and consumers while preserving access to safe, lawful botanicals.

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.