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Are you also wondering if Kratom is legal in Ohio? You’re in the right place as we have all the information about kratom’s legality in this state. Ohio is one of the most controversial states when it comes to kratom. Over the past few years, there have been several attempts to ban kratom in the state, making kratom’s legality there quite volatile.
This makes it pretty hard for resident kratom users and visitors to maintain their kratom habits while keeping up with the potential regulation changes. If you’re in this predicament, read on for everything you need to know about the legality of kratom in Ohio.
Federal History of Kratom’s Legality in the U.S.
Kratom is legal at the federal level. However, some states have taken a strict no-tolerance policy on kratom and criminalized it. Conversely, some states have chosen to regulate it through the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, with the intent of keeping consumers safe. Still, other states have no regulations around the herb.
That said, these legalities were not always the case. Prior to 2016, kratom was legal in all states and could be purchased at specialty stores, online, and in some gas station convenience stores and smoke shops.
In 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced its plans to designate kratom as a Schedule 1 drug. However, this move was met with significant opposition from the American Kratom Association and some lawmakers and medical professionals who argued in favor of kratom, citing its numerous recreational and therapeutic benefits.
Following this public outcry, the Drug Enforcement Administration withdrew its petition. However, the Food and Drug Administration almost immediately started to conduct a scientific evaluation of the herb. Since then, the agency has issued multiple warnings about the potential risks of kratom. They cited its potential for kratom addiction and dependence, as well as concerns about additives that could taint its purity, leaving it contaminated.
On the bright side, most states across the U.S. have not passed any bills seeking to criminalize or regulate kratom. Though the DEA lists kratom as a drug and chemical of concern, it has not been included on the controlled substance list. However, some states and major cities considered the FDA’s concerns and enacted strict regulations. Some states and major cities also criminalized the herb. Currently, kratom is illegal in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Is Kratom Legal in Ohio?
If you’re wondering, “Is kratom legal in Ohio?” you’ll be pleased to know that it is. There is currently no active regulation on kratom and kratom products, making it free to buy, sell, distribute, and manufacture kratom products in the state. However, this might change soon, considering the overwhelming pressure from the FDA and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to designate kratom as a Schedule 1 substance.
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy attempted to make kratom a Schedule 1 substance in 2018. In its petition, the board cited kratom’s potential for abuse and testimonies from some medical professionals who said that the negative side effects of kratom outweigh its benefits.
Kratom advocates in Ohio are eagerly waiting for House Bill 236 to pass. If the bill passes, it will explicitly prohibit banning kratom in the state. The bill also offers regulatory provisions, such as creating a program to oversee the sale of kratom and a licensing system for processing kratom.
The bill can potentially improve the overall quality of kratom sold in the state, thus protecting users from substandard and contaminated kratom products.
Where to Buy Kratom in Ohio
As a legal and unregulated state, Ohio features numerous places to buy kratom like Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo, and others. You can get it from kratom specialty stores, gas station convenience stores, smoke shops, and online vendors. However, buying kratom from physical locations, especially in a state without any kratom regulation, is risky. You may end up buying low-quality or contaminated products. And some of these locations also sell kratom at exorbitant prices.
To err on the safe side, you can buy kratom online. Ohio has an abundance of online kratom vendors. Most of these vendors offer lab test results along with all their products, making it easy for kratom users to validate the quality of a product before making a purchase.
You can also read from a myriad of customer reviews all over the internet to see which kratom vendor in Ohio offers the highest-quality products at affordable prices. While you’re at it, you should also look for stores offering discounts on first-time purchases and specific products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any ongoing efforts to change kratom’s legality in Ohio?
So, is kratom legal in Ohio, and will it stay that way? Currently, the FDA is pushing for the classification of kratom as a Schedule 1 drug in Ohio and other legal states in the U.S.
To counteract this proposal, several legislators in the Ohio state government proposed House Bill 236, which seeks to prohibit banning kratom in the state. Still, the state might change its mind on its legality soon, considering the controversy around kratom in Ohio.
Is kratom safe?
For the most part, yes, kratom is pretty safe. However, overindulgence and overdosing on kratom can lead to several negative side effects.
Therefore, you must follow recommended dosage guidelines, which discourage using more than 10 grams of kratom a day.
Can kratom interact with other medications or supplements?
Kratom can interact with certain medications and supplements, especially those that affect the central nervous system. Therefore, make sure you consult a medical professional before using kratom to avoid getting negative side effects.
How should I take kratom?
Kratom typically comes in powder form. This gives you a lot of leeway in the possible ways you can consume it. You can take it in raw powder form through the wash-and-toss method or make tea with it. However, these methods aren’t very effective in hiding the bitter taste of kratom. Some kratom users prefer more convenient methods of kratom consumption, like capsules.
The Bottom Line: Is Kratom Legal in OH?
There’s been a lot of controversy around kratom in Ohio. Over the past few years, there have been several attempts to criminalize it, but none of them have succeeded. This means that future kratom laws in Ohio remain unclear. On the upside, Kratom legislation may include regulating kratom producers and retailers through the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which will prohibit them from selling low-quality and contaminated products.
So while kratom is not a controlled substance, you can still freely buy kratom in Ohio without worrying about the legal consequences of your kratom use. But make sure you purchase only from reputable online vendors who deal solely in high-quality products.
