Representatives Odioso, Lorenz Introduce Kratom Consumer Protection Act

State Representatives Mike Odioso (R-Green Twp.) and Brian Lorenz (R-Powell) today introduced the Kratom Consumer Protection Act - House Bill 587, legislation designed to protect Ohioans from dangerous synthetic kratom products.

Kratom is a natural botanical from the coffee family that millions of Americans safely consume for pain relief, energy, and overall wellness. Scientific literature characterizes naturally occurring pure kratom as a safe herbal supplement, while recognizing the danger of synthetic kratom and kratom with high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH.

"Ohioans from my district and across the state who consume kratom deserve to know the products they purchase are safe and sold in regulated venues," said Rep Odioso. "This legislation will also outlaw the sale of the insidiously dangerous synthetic derivatives and compounds."

This bill will charge the Ohio Department of Agriculture with licensing kratom distributors and retailers in the Buckeye State and prohibit the sale of kratom products that are made of synthetic alkaloids or contain high levels of 7-OH. The introduction of this legislation follows the Food and Drug Administration's actions this summer to begin its process to classify 7-OH as a controlled substance.

"We are following the FDA's lead by prohibiting the sale of 7-OH products," said Rep. Lorenz. "This bill will keep Ohioans safe because it ensures any kratom product sold in Ohio meets quality standards established by this bill and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. These standards will prevent the continued proliferation of synthetic kratom and 7-OH products."

This bill now awaits a committee assignment and consideration in the House.