Ohio Board of Pharmacy Makes Synthetic Kratom Ban Permanent Under New Rules

Why it matters

Ohio has made its synthetic kratom ban permanent through formal Board of Pharmacy rules, classifying 7-OH and other lab-altered kratom compounds as Schedule I controlled substances. The move gives legal permanence to a temporary ban adopted after kratom was linked to more than 200 overdose deaths in the state.

The big picture

In December 2025, Ohio identified kratom as an "imminent public health risk" after documenting over 200 unintentional overdose deaths linked to the substance between 2019 and 2024. The state imposed a temporary ban before the Board of Pharmacy finalized permanent rules in May 2026. The rules specifically target synthetic and lab-concentrated versions of kratom compounds, while natural kratom leaves, powders, and standard extracts remain legal to sell in Ohio.

Key findings

• Ohio Board of Pharmacy issued permanent rules on May 28, 2026 classifying synthetic kratom compounds as Schedule I
• The rules specifically target lab-altered, high-potency versions — natural kratom leaves and standard extracts remain legal
• Ohio documented over 200 unintentional overdose deaths linked to kratom between 2019 and 2024
• A Kratom Consumer Protection Act bill that would regulate natural kratom remains pending in a House committee
• Hospital workers report patients developing physical dependency and escalating dosage rapidly

What they say

"Kratom usage can also have neurologic symptoms like seizures, hallucinations and delusions. There have also been reports of extra-pyramidal symptoms, which medical professionals would see in patients who have schizophrenia." — Summer Reyburn, Ohio Board of Pharmacy

Bottom line

Ohio has permanently classified synthetic kratom derivatives as Schedule I controlled substances, making the state's ban official after linking the substances to over 200 overdose deaths — while leaving natural kratom products in a legal gray zone.