Is Kratom Legal In Ohio? [2023 Update]

This post has all the information you need to know regarding the legality of kratom in Ohio, whether the law may change, and the best places to buy kratom in that state. 

Although kratom is highly regulated in Ohio, its use, possession, and distribution are still legal. However, Ohio was, at one point, very close to completely banning the plant. 

Despite many benefits found in kratom, the Food and Drug Administration currently campaigns against its use. And with the FDA leaving the interpretation of the substance to each state’s federal government, there is incentive for the authorities to put a stop to kratom altogether. 

Ohio is one of the states that used to see kratom as a threat to its citizens. Even though there are many benefits which have been testified by kratom users, legislators deem the substance as harmful because of its alkaloid contents.

In March of 2019, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy raised the stake for kratom users. They decided that kratom should be classified as a Schedule I substance, along with heroine cocaine, and other hard drugs. No logic, I know. This meant that people caught with small amounts of kratom would be given a misdemeanor and those with larger quantities would be charged with a felony. 

However, thanks to thousands of people who rallied in defense of kratom along with the American Kratom Association, the ban was postponed. A total of 92 people shared their testimony with state regulators, and thousands of other testimonials were mailed in.  

Thus, Buckeyes were able to enjoy the freedom of using kratom while the new bill, House Bill 236, was in the works. With the passing of House Bill 236, kratom cannot be prohibited, and is now instead, carefully controlled regarding the way it is processed.

I don't think too many people have a problem with more regulated and safer kratom products, especially if it remains legal in their state.

Furthermore, thanks to House Bill 236, no cities or counties have imposed any type of bans on kratom. However, that does not mean that Ohio has zero restrictions on kratom. There are a few things you should keep in mind, especially if you are a kratom vendor. 

1. Kratom is not to be labeled as "safe for human consumption." This is due to the fact that the FDA has not approved the use of kratom in any form. 
2. Products which have been infused with kratom cannot be sold within the state's jurisdiction. This restriction has actually led to multiple raids and seizures. 
3. Only pure kratom powder is considered one hundred percent legal. Even the distribution of kratom capsules may result in unwanted legal matters. 

However, the future is always uncertain, and nothing is set in stone. Always do your research before taking kratom to a new jurisdiction to ensure you remain on the right side of the law. 

Things change from one day to the next, and you don't want to be that unlucky person who happend to visit a new state the day a kratom ban went into effect. 

Because kratom remains legal in Ohio, many stores offer multiple kratom strains, but taking your time to find a trustworthy vendor is still necessary. 

Kratom is widely available in traditional retail outlets like: 

1. Head shops
2. Vape shops 
3. Gas stations
4. Dispensaries 
5. Convenience stores
6. Herbal shops

As with most brick and mortar stores, all of the aformentioned businesses will more than likely have higher overhead than online stores, which translates to higher product prices. 

Higher prices means less sales, and less sales means the kratom product will have been on the shelf for a much longer period than online stores. In other words, the kratom won't be as fresh. 

Therefore, I always suggest purchasing your kratom online, as online vendors nowadays make it very apparent through their site whether they are striving for the safest and highest quality kratom products. They do so by providing lab tests, verified reviews, and and certifications which the company may have. 

This does not mean you can't buy high quality kratom from a brick and mortar store in Ohio, but the odds of finding a good vendor at an affordable price when compared to online shops is slim to none. 

In short, kratom is legal in Ohio, and despite many appeals to get the substance banned, state regulators have not been successfull, all thanks to the hard work from kratom advocates who refuse to give up in the fight against government legislation. 

However, as stated in House Bill 236, kratom products must meet the listed criteria stated above if they are to be sold within the state's jurisdiction. If you are simply purchasing kratom for your own use. You have much less restrictions to worry about.