The order, signed late last week, effectively prohibits manufacturers and retailers from selling synthetic or chemically altered kratom products statewide. Natural kratom, derived from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, remains under state review by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy but is not included in the executive ban.
“This action is about protecting Ohioans from unsafe, unregulated compounds being sold under the guise of kratom,” DeWine said in a statement Friday. “We’ve seen too many cases of severe illness and even death tied to synthetic variations of this substance.”
State health officials have reported several recent hospitalizations related to synthetic kratom use, noting that many of the products contained undisclosed or dangerous additives. The Ohio Department of Health and the Board of Pharmacy are coordinating with law enforcement to ensure compliance with the ban and to educate the public on potential risks.
Kratom advocates, however, criticized the move, saying it could unfairly stigmatize responsible users and small business owners. “This ban paints all kratom with the same brush,” said Michael Jensen, a spokesperson for the American Kratom Association. “We support cracking down on bad actors, but natural kratom has helped thousands manage pain and addiction safely.”
Ohio joins several other states, including Michigan and Massachusetts, that have recently taken action against synthetic kratom products amid growing national debate over its safety and regulation.
Violations of the executive order could result in fines or criminal penalties, according to the governor’s office. The order went into effect immediately.