1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Governor Mike DeWine's proposal to classify natural kratom compounds as illegal drugs. This blanket ban on natural kratom is not supported by scientific evidence and would harm Ohioans who responsibly use kratom for various wellness purposes. While I acknowledge the concerns about public health, it's crucial to note that kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has been used for centuries with minimal reported adverse effects. The proposed ban overlooks the potential benefits of natural kratom and the rights of informed consumers to make their own health decisions. The preliminary data citing kratom as a cause of death in over 200 unintentional overdoses in Ohio between 2019 and 2024 requires closer examination. Often, such statistics fail to account for polydrug use or underlying health conditions. Moreover, the 1,690 kratom exposure cases reported by poison control centers nationally in the first seven months of 2025 must be contextualized against the millions of Americans who use kratom without incident. Banning natural kratom compounds would make Ohio the first state to place natural kratom under Schedule I classification. This extreme measure would not only criminalize countless law-abiding citizens but also stifle crucial research into kratom's potential medical applications, particularly in pain management and opioid withdrawal treatment. Instead of an outright ban on natural kratom, I urge you to consider a regulatory approach that ensures product safety and quality while preserving consumer access. This could include implementing strict labeling requirements, age restrictions, and manufacturing standards for natural kratom products. By maintaining natural kratom's legal status, Ohio can lead the way in responsible regulation, protecting public health while respecting individual liberty and fostering scientific research. I ask that you oppose Governor DeWine's proposal and work towards a more balanced, evidence-based approach to natural kratom regulation in our state.