Global Kratom Coalition Commends Ohio Governor for Moving to Ban Concentrated Synthetic 7-Hydroxymitragynine

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Emergency action targets lab-made opioid products while protecting natural kratom leaf

WASHINGTON, DC, December 15, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- The Global Kratom Coalition today expressed support to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for directing the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to move forward with an emergency rule designating concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and other synthetic compounds and products as illegal controlled substances, while preserving adult access to safe, natural kratom leaf products.

Concentrated synthetic 7-OH products are of significant public-health concern in Ohio, with Illicit manufacturers producing high-concentration synthetic isolates and marketing them as pills, powders, gummies, and capsules — formulations that researchers warn can be up to 13 times more potent than morphine. 

“In this first instance, Ohio is distinguishing between a traditional botanical product and a new class of lab-engineered opioids designed to evade regulation,” said Matthew Lowe, executive director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “These concentrated synthetic 7-OH products are not supplements. They are potent, opioid-like drugs that pose real risks of dependence, respiratory depression, and overdose.”

Ohio’s move follows a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendation urging federal scheduling of concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products under the Controlled Substances Act. Federal officials have repeatedly emphasized that these enforcement actions are not directed at natural kratom leaf, but rather at chemically altered derivatives designed to bypass existing drug laws. Consumers can access a comprehensive database of concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products at the QR code below.

GKC appreciates Gov. DeWine’s decision to immediately address synthetic, lab-engineered kratom compounds through emergency action. At the same time, GKC will actively and constructively engage in the upcoming rulemaking process to ensure Ohio’s approach protects public health, follows the science and does not eliminate access to responsibly manufactured, natural kratom leaf products.

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SOURCE: Global Kratom Coalition

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