Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, released a statement calling for the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to classify natural and synthetic Kratom compounds as “illegal drugs.” Kratom is an extract from the Southeast Asian tree, Mitragyna speciosa, sold in gummies, pills, powders, and even drinks. Kratom works as a partial agonist on the brain’s opiate receptors, causing stimulant effects in lower doses and sedative effects when taken in high doses. This can lead to physical dependence and addiction if consumed regularly
Kratom supplements are marketed as “energy boosters,” hence its stimulant properties. Some have even used Kratom to help ease withdrawal symptoms from opiates like heroin. However, WOWO News reported Kratom faces plenty of controversy surrounding its addictive nature. Gov. DeWine cited that there were more than 200 overdoses resulting in death related to Kratom in Ohio since 2019. There were also nearly 1,700 Kratom exposures reported in 2025 thus far. If the law is passed, Ohio will become the first state to ban Kratom products.
Feel Free is an herbal drink containing Kratom as well as another herbal extract, Kava, to amplify its sedative effects. The drink is sold in small 2 fl oz bottles for around $8. While it is not sold in larger retail stores, the drink can be found in most liquor stores and gas stations across the US. Furthermore, only 15 states have imposed age restrictions on the purchasing of Kratom products like Feel Free, with 30 states having no restrictions on Kratom distribution at all (Mayo Clinic). This has led to an epidemic of adolescents becoming addicted to the substance. Many argue that unrestricted availability of an opiate-mimicking substance is dangerous, and is causing increased addiction and dependence on other drugs as well (Pyramid-Healthcare).
Kratom containing products like Feel Free are undoubtedly a growing issue in the US. While these plants have been used for centuries in medicinal contexts, their harmful addictive properties and availability are causing concern. Gov. DeWine is set to meet with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy on banning Kratom on August 27, 2025.
Works Cited
“Kratom: Unsafe and Ineffective.” Mayo Clinic, 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/kratom/art-20402171.
News, AP. “Ohio Governor Seeks to Ban All Kratom Compounds.” WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM, 26 Aug. 2025, wowo.com/ohio-governor-seeks-to-ban-all-kratom-compounds/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025,
Pyramid Healthcare. “Percodan vs. Percocet: What’s the Difference and Why Abuse Is Dangerous.” Pyramid Healthcare, 12 Aug. 2025, www.pyramid-healthcare.com/blog/2025/08/12/is-feel-free-really-safe-what-to-know-about-this-kratom-and-kava-drink/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
