Ohio Board of Pharmacy Issues Emergency 180-Day Ban on Most Kratom Products

Why it matters

Ohio's emergency action is one of the broadest state-level kratom restrictions in the country, affecting all 7-OH and kratom derivative products — and setting up a high-stakes rulemaking process that could lead to a permanent statewide ban by mid-2026.

The big picture

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine had been pushing for kratom restrictions since August 2025, but initially paused after discussions with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. After further review, the governor renewed his request, and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy responded with an emergency rule — effective immediately — banning virtually all kratom products except pure mitragynine in plant form. The 180-day window is meant to allow for a permanent rule with public comment.

Key findings

• Ohio's emergency rule bans all kratom-related products except those composed solely of mitragynine in natural vegetation form
• Any product combining mitragynine with 7-OH or other kratom derivatives is prohibited
• The emergency rule is effective for 180 days, expiring June 10, 2026
• The Board of Pharmacy will propose a permanent rule banning all kratom products during that window
• Kratom was implicated in more than 200 unintentional overdose deaths in Ohio from 2019 to 2024

What they say

"While there is a clear path to take action on synthetic kratom, I still have deep concerns about natural kratom, given the harms, including fatalities, attributed to it," said Gov. Mike DeWine.

Bottom line

Ohio has effectively banned all kratom products except pure natural leaf — and is moving toward a full permanent ban through emergency rulemaking.