Ohio Senator Louis Blessing has introduced Senate Bill 299, earning praise from the Global Kratom Coalition for its balanced approach to kratom regulation. The bill seeks to ban dangerous, concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) opioid compounds—linked to addiction and fatalities—while maintaining access for adults to safe, natural kratom products. The legislation was inspired in part by a tragic Ohio case involving a synthetic 7-OH product and mirrors growing efforts nationwide to address synthetic kratom risks.
Scientific advisors, including Dr. C. Michael White, emphasized that natural kratom leaf differs significantly from potent synthetic derivatives, with animal studies highlighting its comparatively lower abuse potential and risk profile. Senate Bill 299 would also introduce new quality standards for kratom products sold in Ohio. To read more, visit the original story at WRAL News.
