Ohio combines vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and a strong sense of community. In recent years, kratom, a natural botanical from Southeast Asia, has become popular among some residents for its reported wellness properties. However, significant regulatory changes in December 2025 have impacted availability for kratom products.
If you're in Ohio and interested in kratom, here's the latest on its legal status and what it means for consumers and retailers.
Kratom Nationwide: The Bigger Picture
Federally, the kratom has not been scheduled as a controlled substance, and it remains legal in most states. The FDA has expressed concern over semi-synthetic 7-OH products. Groups like the American Kratom Association (AKA) advocate for consumer protections through measures such as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which promotes lab testing, accurate labeling, and age restrictions in adopting states.
Kratom faces outright bans in a few states, while others regulate it responsibly. The focus increasingly shifts to distinguishing natural leaf-based products from synthetic or enhanced derivatives.
Kratom Legality in Ohio: Key Updates for 2025
As of December 2025, an emergency rule from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy (OAC 4729:9-1-01.1, effective December 12, 2025) classifies certain "mitragynine-related compounds" (including 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, and others) as Schedule I controlled substances. This targets synthetic, semi-synthetic, or concentrated forms often found in extracts, gummies, vapes, shots, tablets, and many capsules.
Important exception: Products composed solely of mitragynine, including natural kratom in its vegetative form (dried leaf or plain powder) remain exempt and are not banned under this rule. However, processed formats like capsules, liquids, edibles, or enhanced products typically fall under the ban.
Governor Mike DeWine directed this emergency action to address public health risks from potent derivatives (linked to over 200 overdose deaths in Ohio from 2019–2024 and rising national poison control reports). Natural mitragynine products stay exempt for now, with plans for separate rulemaking in the future.
The emergency rule lasts up to 180 days, during which retailers must dispose of non-compliant items. No statewide local bans override this, but always check city ordinances. Due to this, we are no longer able to ship capsule products to Ohio for the time being and can only ship powder products to Ohio addresses.
Why the Distinction Matters
The rule responds to concerns over "enhanced" products that amplify opioid-like effects far beyond traditional natural leaf. Plain, unprocessed kratom powder or dried leaf (primarily mitragynine with only trace natural alkaloids) does not trigger the Schedule I classification.
The Push for Future Regulations
Ohio currently lacks a full KCPA framework, creating gaps in quality assurance. Past bills (like HB 236) aimed to introduce testing, labeling, and age limits but did not pass. With the emergency focus on synthetics, advocates hope 2026 brings balanced regulation by banning dangerous enhancements while ensuring access to safe, natural products through:
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Mandatory third-party testing for purity and contaminants.
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Clear labeling with ingredients, warnings, and dosage guidance.
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Age 21+ restrictions and bans on adulterated items.
This approach could protect consumers and align Ohio with other states like Florida, Utah or Rhode Island that have successfully regulated kratom.
Current Options for Kratom in Ohio
Under the emergency rule:
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Allowed: Natural vegetative forms, such as plain dried leaf or unenhanced powder (solely mitragynine-based).
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Prohibited: Most processed products containing scheduled derivatives, including many capsules (even all natural powder capsules), tablets, extracts, gummies, vapes, drinks, and enhanced powders.
Local stores may have limited stock of compliant natural powder or leaf. Online vendors shipping to Ohio must comply with new regulations. Again, due to this, we have halted shipments of capsule products to Ohio and will only ship powder products.
Tips for Sourcing Compliant Kratom
If seeking natural, exempt products:
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Choose vendors with third-party lab results confirming natural composition (low/no enhanced alkaloids).
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Look for ethical, sustainable sourcing.
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Read reviews and ensure transparency about compliance with Ohio's rule.
Stay updated via the Ohio Board of Pharmacy website or trusted advocacy groups, as rules can evolve.
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At Royal Kratom, we focus exclusively on 100% natural, unenhanced kratom powder, plain ground leaf in vegetative form, fully compliant and exempt under Ohio's current emergency rule. Our products feature rigorous third-party testing for purity, potency, and safety, with no additives or enhancements.
Enjoy free same-day shipping, a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, and our Royal Rewards program for savings. Explore our blog for education on strains and updates. Order today and experience quality you can trust!