The debate over Kratom, a herbal supplement derived from Southeast Asian tree leaves, continues to divide Ohioans. While some credit it with saving lives, others blame it for tragic outcomes. Jennifer Young, a Columbus mother, claims Kratom caused her son’s death by triggering seizures when mixed with another drug. Meanwhile, advocates like Jack Smith, a former NASCAR driver turned Kratom store owner, argue the supplement helped him overcome opioid addiction and chronic pain.
Ohio lawmakers have yet to pass regulations for Kratom, despite calls for measures like product testing and warning labels. Advocates fear that without state oversight, contaminated products could lead to a statewide ban, as seen in several other states.
For more on this ongoing issue, visit ABC 6 On Your Side.
