Rep. Brennan Supports JCARR Rule to Ban Synthetic Kratom Compounds

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) today announced his support, as a member of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR), for a proposed rule from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy that would permanently ban synthetic kratom compounds in Ohio.

The rule, which is scheduled to come before JCARR on April 13, would classify mitragynine-related compounds — including those that are chemically synthesized — as Schedule I controlled substances. Importantly, the rule does not apply to kratom in its natural, vegetative form, such as kratom leaf or ground natural leaf.

“This is a thoughtful and targeted step to protect Ohioans, especially our young people,  from dangerous synthetic substances that are far more potent and unpredictable than their natural counterparts,” said Rep. Brennan. “I support this rule because it focuses on the most immediate and serious public health risks while allowing for continued, careful evaluation of the natural product.”

The Board of Pharmacy initially enacted a temporary ban on synthetic kratom through an executive order issued by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2025. That emergency rule is set to expire June 10, 2026, or sooner if a permanent rule is adopted through the standard JCARR review process.

Board officials have emphasized that synthetic kratom compounds can be significantly more potent than morphine and are often sold in unregulated environments, including gas stations, making them accessible to minors. Concerns raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have also underscored the urgency of addressing synthetic formulations.

At the same time, Rep. Brennan acknowledged the ongoing and more complex discussion surrounding natural kratom. The Board of Pharmacy has received more than 1,600 public comments on a separate proposal that would impose a broader ban on both synthetic and natural kratom, compared to roughly 100 comments on the synthetic-only rule.

“There are strong and deeply personal perspectives on all sides of this issue,” added Rep. Brennan. “That’s why it is appropriate that we proceed deliberately when it comes to natural kratom. The volume of public input alone makes clear that more study, more testimony, and more thoughtful policymaking are needed.”

Legislation currently under consideration in the Ohio General Assembly would similarly seek to regulate natural kratom while banning synthetic compounds, reflecting a growing consensus around the need to distinguish between the two.

“As policymakers, our responsibility is to strike the right balance between public safety and informed decision-making,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “Moving forward with a ban on synthetic kratom now allows us to address an urgent threat while continuing to gather the facts necessary to make sound, evidence-based decisions about natural kratom.”

The JCARR vote is expected to help inform ongoing legislative discussions as lawmakers continue to evaluate the appropriate regulatory framework for kratom products in Ohio.