Is Kratom Legal in Ohio?
Ohio's Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) approved a permanent ban on synthetic kratom compounds, classifying them as Schedule I controlled substances. This rule, effective May 14, 2026, replaces a temporary ban and prohibits the sale, possession, and distribution of these specific products statewide.
On December 12, 2025, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy (OBP) issued emergency rule OAC 4729:9-1-01.1, making mitragynine-related compounds (synthetic and concentrated derivatives of kratom) illegal to sell, possess, or distribute for 180 days. This emergency rule clarified that natural kratom in its vegetation form was initially exempt from this specific ban. Subsequently, on April 13, 2026, the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) approved this rule to permanently classify synthetic kratom compounds as Schedule I controlled substances, with an effective date of May 14, 2026. This legislative action definitively shifts the status of these compounds from previously 'RESTRICTED' (implied by general regulation) to explicitly 'BANNED' statewide.
Update History
May 1, 2026Ohio Kratom Legal Status Update
Ohio — OAC 4729: 9-1-01.1. Status: BANNED.
On December 12, 2025, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy (OBP) issued emergency rule OAC 4729:9-1-01.1, making mitragynine-related compounds (synthetic and concentrated derivatives of kratom) illegal to sell, possess, or distribute for 180 days. This emergency rule clarified that natural kratom in its vegetation form was initially exempt from this specific ban. Subsequently, on April 13, 2026, the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) approved this rule to permanently classify synthetic kratom compounds as Schedule I controlled substances, with an effective date of May 14, 2026. This legislative action definitively shifts the status of these compounds from previously 'RESTRICTED' (implied by general regulation) to explicitly 'BANNED' statewide.
Sources: Link 1
Mar 31, 2026Ohio Kratom Legal Status Update
Ohio — OAC 4729: 9-1-01.1 (Emergency Rule). Status: RESTRICTED.
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.
Sources: Link 1