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What Is Kratom and Why Are some States Pushing to Ban It?

On Aug. 25, Governor Mike DeWine urged the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to classify natural and synthetic kratom compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I substances, banning their sale and possession statewide.
In recent years, clandestine chemists have transformed kratom's natural compounds into potent synthetic chemicals linked to seizures, psychosis, and death, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended classifying 7-hydroxymitragynine .
In a press release on Monday, DeWine cited Ohio Department of Health preliminary data showing kratom was involved in more than 200 unintentional overdose deaths from 2019 to 2024 and poison control centers reported 1,690 kratom exposure cases through July 2025.
If approved, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's scheduling would require establishments selling kratom products to remove them, with retailers warning a ban could put some businesses completely out of business and impact many users.
Supporters argue kratom can save people with acute and chronic pain and opioid dependence, while industry representatives recommend regulation over a full ban to avoid relapse risks.

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KTVH

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Center

What is kratom and why are some states pushing to ban it?

If you didn't know what kratom is, get ready, because it's becoming quite the hot topic.Last week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called on the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to immediately designate all natural and synthetic kratom compounds as illegal drugs. Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for consumption or medical use.According to preliminary data from the Ohio Department of Health, kra…

6 days ago

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WKYC

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WBNS- 10TV

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Business owners speak out after DeWine pushes for kratom ban

If approved, Ohio would be the first state to prohibit all kratom compounds.

11 days ago·Cleveland, United States

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Akron Beacon Journal

Center

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wants to ban kratom and declare it an illegal drug. What is it?

Gov. Mike DeWine is asking the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to declare natural and synthetic kratom an illegal drug.

11 days ago

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The Crescent-News

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DeWine wants state board to schedule kratom compounds Illegal drugs

COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has announced that he is calling upon the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to immediately designate all natural and synthetic kratom compounds as illegal drugs.

12 days ago

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The Blade

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DeWine looks to ban sale of kratom ahead of Toledo City Council vote that would do just that

COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is calling on the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to designate all natural and synthetic kratom compounds as illegal drugs. The ...

12 days ago·Toledo, United States

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WSYX

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Ohio governor pushes to be the first state to ban natural and synthetic kratom

Governor Mike DeWine is urging the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to outlaw both natural and synthetic kratom, a health supplement that has been under scrutiny.

12 days ago

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