Is Kratom Legal in Ohio?

Kratom has been hotly contested in the Buckeye State, as the Ohio Department of Health threatened to make it illegal more than once.

The history of kratom legislation in Ohio is marked by several attempts to regulate or restrict its use, driven by concerns over its potential health risks and abuse potential. Here's a brief overview:

In Ohio, kratom was initially legal to buy, sell, and consume without any restrictions. However, in 2016, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy considered listing kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, alongside drugs like heroin and LSD. This move was met with significant opposition from advocates who argued for the therapeutic benefits of kratom.

Then in 2018, in response to public outcry and lobbying efforts, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy withdrew its proposal to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. Instead, they issued a warning about the potential risks associated with kratom use and recommended that the state legislature consider regulating it.

The issue of kratom regulation resurfaced in Ohio in 2019 when the Board of Pharmacy once again proposed to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. This proposal was met with resistance from kratom advocates and consumers who argued for its medicinal value and relatively low potential for harm compared to other controlled substances.

In August 2020, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy withdrew its proposal to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. Instead, they issued an advisory warning about the potential risks of kratom use and recommended that individuals consult with healthcare professionals before using it.

Finally in 2021, Ohio introduced a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, that would regulate sales of kratom instead of banning it and criminalizing consumers. A similar bill was introduced in both 2022 and 2023. The bills introduced minimum age on the sale of kratom, label requirements, and would require vendors to get a license to sell kratom and lab test all products. All bills failed to pass.

Therefore, as of February 2024, kratom remains legal and unregulated in the state of Ohio.