States Intensify Crackdown on Synthetic Kratom Products Nationwide

A rising number of states are implementing bans on synthetic kratom products, particularly a compound known as 7-OH, amid growing concerns regarding safety and dependency. This crackdown reflects a nationwide effort to regulate substances marketed as natural supplements for pain relief, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal, with regulators warning that high doses can lead to opioid-like effects.

In an emergency order issued in December 2025, the Ohio State Pharmacy Board directed hearings to determine if 7-OH should be classified as a controlled substance. If approved, this classification would prohibit the manufacture, sale, possession, or use of the compound within Ohio. Currently, at least 12 states—including Alabama, California, Florida, and Indiana—have enacted full bans on 7-OH products. Other states, such as Arizona, Colorado, and West Virginia, have put restrictions in place targeting high-potency formulations.

The increasing regulation comes as concerns mount over the sale of these products in unregulated environments such as gas stations and smoke shops. Jason Ingram, owner of Centuries Harvest Kratom near Columbus, Ohio, stated that while his store sells both natural kratom and synthetic 7-OH products, he believes the latter to be safe. He criticized the Ohio government’s emergency action as an overreach, warning it could have negative economic implications for small businesses. “It’s a billion-dollar industry,” Ingram emphasized, expressing concern for those who may lose their livelihoods due to such regulations.

While states move forward with their initiatives, federal regulators have not yet reached a conclusive decision. Eight months prior, the Food and Drug Administration recommended that the Drug Enforcement Administration classify synthetic kratom as a Schedule I substance, placing it alongside drugs like heroin and LSD. Such a designation would render it illegal across the United States.

Public health experts are divided regarding the implications of banning synthetic kratom outright. Dr. Jeff Singer, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, cautioned that prohibition could inadvertently empower illicit drug markets. He stated, “If they made 7-OH a controlled substance, then they’re actually going to give another product for the drug traffickers to add to their line of products available to American consumers.”

Despite the heightened scrutiny surrounding synthetic derivatives, traditional kratom remains legal in many regions and is often used as an herbal supplement. The emergence of concentrated forms like 7-OH has heightened the urgency for regulation, with many officials warning that these newer products pose significantly greater risks compared to the traditional kratom leaf.

As more states consider restrictions and federal authorities deliberate on nationwide scheduling, the discussion around synthetic kratom is increasingly intersecting with broader conversations about emerging psychoactive substances, consumer safety, and the balance between regulation and access. The evolving landscape indicates that the debate surrounding these products is far from settled.