Ohio — OAC 4729 status update
About This Event
On December 11, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine requested the Ohio Board of Pharmacy (OBP) to immediately designate synthetic kratom compounds as illegal drugs via emergency rule. In response, the OBP issued an emergency rule, OAC 4729:9-1-01.1, effective December 12, 2025, which makes most forms of kratom-related products illegal to sell, possess, or distribute in the state. This emergency rule is in effect for 180 days, expiring on June 10, 2026. It specifically exempts 'natural kratom in its vegetation form' composed solely of mitragynine, but bans all other derivatives, including concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Furthermore, on January 6, 2026, the OBP initiated the process to permanently classify both natural and synthetic kratom under Schedule I. This constitutes a significant shift from a 'RESTRICTED' to a 'BANNED' status for most kratom products, with full prohibition pending.
References
Outcome
The regulation was approved. This becomes law.