Is Kratom Legal in Ohio?
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy issued an emergency rule on December 12, 2025, effectively banning the sale, possession, or distribution of most kratom-related products, with an exception for natural kratom in its vegetation form. The Board is also pursuing a permanent rule to classify both natural and synthetic kratom compounds as Schedule I controlled substances.
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.
Update History
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