Ohio Bill Seeks to Regulate Kratom, Ban Synthetics

A new legislative proposal in Ohio aims to establish a regulatory framework for the sale of kratom, potentially bringing significant changes to how the product is sold and purchased within the state. Introduced by Republican State Representative Gary Click, the bill focuses on consumer protection by setting clear standards for kratom products while specifically banning synthetic versions.

This move aligns Ohio with a growing number of states adopting the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), a model legislation supported by advocacy groups like the American Kratom Association (AKA). The primary goal of the KCPA is to legitimize the kratom market and ensure consumer safety, offering a middle ground between an unregulated market and an outright ban.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Bill

While the full text is being reviewed, the proposal is expected to follow the standard KCPA framework, which typically includes several key consumer-focused regulations:

• Age Restrictions: The bill would prohibit the sale of kratom products to individuals under the age of 21. This is a common measure designed to keep the substance out of the hands of minors.
• Product Labeling: Vendors would be required to provide clear and accurate labels on all kratom products. This includes listing all ingredients, the amount of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and directions for safe use. Health claims would likely be prohibited.
• Purity and Adulteration: The legislation would make it illegal to sell any kratom product that is adulterated with dangerous non-kratom substances. It would also set a cap on the concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine, ensuring that products are not artificially enhanced to be dangerously potent.
• Ban on Synthetic Kratom: A central point of the bill is the explicit ban on synthetic kratom. This targets products containing synthetically produced kratom alkaloids, which are not derived from the natural Mitragyna speciosa plant. This provision is designed to protect consumers from untested and potentially harmful novel compounds.

Context for Ohio Kratom Consumers

For kratom users in Ohio, the passage of this bill would represent a major shift towards a more transparent and secure market. An unregulated environment leaves consumers vulnerable to products that may be contaminated, mislabeled, or dangerously potent. By establishing clear rules, the KCPA aims to remove unethical vendors from the market and ensure that consumers can purchase products with confidence.

If passed, consumers can expect to see more detailed information on packaging, providing them with the ability to make more informed decisions about their purchases. The age requirement would be strictly enforced, and vendors would face penalties for non-compliance, creating accountability throughout the supply chain.

This regulatory approach is seen by many within the kratom community as a crucial step in preserving legal access to the plant. Rather than pushing for a complete prohibition, as some states have done, the KCPA model provides a pathway for kratom to be sold responsibly. Kratings.com will continue to follow the progress of this bill as it moves through the Ohio legislature and provide updates on its potential impact on consumers and vendors.

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