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COLUMBUS, Ohio — New state regulations will change how a psychoactive drug is sold and possessed in Ohio starting next week. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy announced that a new rule, effective May 19, 2026, will classify many common forms of Kratom as controlled substances.
Kratom comes from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. People often use its leaves for stimulant effects in small amounts or sedative effects in larger amounts, though use can lead to psychological and physiological dependence. While it is not a controlled substance under federal law, the Drug Enforcement Administration has labeled it a drug of concern due to its potential for addiction and health risks.
Under the new state rule, only natural kratom in its vegetation form remains legal to sell or own. This includes whole dried leaves or plain leaf powder. Even in these legal forms, the products must follow strict labeling requirements…