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Ohio Governor Proposes Kratom Ban Amid Overdose Concerns

9/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine proposed a ban on all kratom compounds, citing over 200 overdose deaths from 2019 to 2024.
Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian plant, is unapproved by the FDA for medical use and marketed as a legal opioid alternative.
Business owner Michael Young advocates for natural kratom but calls for regulation of synthetic variants and further research.
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy canceled its meeting to discuss the ban without providing a reason.

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Story summary

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine proposed a ban on all kratom compounds, citing over 200 overdose deaths from 2019 to 2024.
Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian plant, is unapproved by the FDA for medical use and marketed as a legal opioid alternative.
Business owner Michael Young advocates for natural kratom but calls for regulation of synthetic variants and further research.
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy canceled its meeting to discuss the ban without providing a reason.