{"id":2098,"date":"2026-02-23T01:32:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T01:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/?page_id=2098"},"modified":"2026-06-13T19:18:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T19:18:54","slug":"ohio","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/?page_id=2098","title":{"rendered":"Ohio"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ohio Board of Pharmacy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">05-26-2026<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacy.ohio.gov\/documents\/pubs\/special\/kratom\/consumer%20and%20retailer%20notice%20-%20sale%20and%20possession%20of%20kratom%20in%20ohio.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacy.ohio.gov\/documents\/pubs\/special\/kratom\/consumer%20and%20retailer%20notice%20-%20sale%20and%20possession%20of%20kratom%20in%20ohio.pdf\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#135881\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Consumer and Retailer Notice<\/mark><\/a>: Sale and Possession of Kratom in Ohio Date Revised<br>This document replaces all previous guidance issued by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy on the enforcement of OAC <a href=\"https:\/\/www.registerofohio.state.oh.us\/pdfs\/4729\/9\/1\/4729$9-1-01$1_PH_FF_N_RU_20260507_1533.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.registerofohio.state.oh.us\/pdfs\/4729\/9\/1\/4729$9-1-01$1_PH_FF_N_RU_20260507_1533.pdf\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#135881\" class=\"has-inline-color\">4729:9-1-01.1<\/mark><\/a> and the manufacture, possession, and sale of kratom in Ohio.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"836\" src=\"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kratom-legality-chart-1024x836.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kratom-legality-chart-1024x836.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kratom-legality-chart-300x245.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kratom-legality-chart-768x627.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kratom-legality-chart-600x490.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kratom-legality-chart.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/consumer-and-retailer-notice-sale-and-possession-of-kratom-in-ohio-05142026.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/consumer-and-retailer-notice-sale-and-possession-of-kratom-in-ohio-05142026.pdf\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#135881\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Consumer and Retail Notice<\/mark><\/a> <\/strong>&#8211; Sale and Possession of Kratom in Ohio<br>This document replaces all previous guidance issued by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy on the enforcement of OAC <a href=\"https:\/\/www.registerofohio.state.oh.us\/pdfs\/4729\/9\/1\/4729$9-1-01$1_PH_FF_N_RU_20260507_1533.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.registerofohio.state.oh.us\/pdfs\/4729\/9\/1\/4729$9-1-01$1_PH_FF_N_RU_20260507_1533.pdf\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#135881\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>4729:9-1-01.1<\/strong><\/mark><\/a> and the manufacture, possession, and sale of kratom in Ohio.<br>Date Issued: May 14, 2026<br>Effective Date: May 19, 2029<br><br><strong>Yes, plain leaf kratom is still legal in Ohio<\/strong>, but the legal landscape has become highly fragmented, with a strict division drawn between natural plant material and synthetic or altered products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The current legal status as of <strong>May 14, 2026<\/strong> is defined by three distinct tracks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Plain Leaf remains Legal (With a Specific Carveout)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"p-rc_d68dded8e790c5f9-27\">When the Ohio Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) and the Board of Pharmacy enacted recent permanent restrictions, they included an <strong>explicit carveout for natural, vegetative kratom<\/strong>.<sup><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under current rules, raw plain leaf and ground natural leaf powder remain legal to possess and sell, provided they strictly adhere to the traditional food-safety guidelines\u2014meaning the packaging contains absolutely no wording, directions, or formatting that implies human ingestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. The Permanent Ban on Synthetic &amp; Altered Compounds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"p-rc_d68dded8e790c5f9-29\">While plain leaf remains legal, a permanent statewide ban officially went into effect on <strong>May 14, 2026<\/strong>.<sup><\/sup> This rule places chemically synthesized or heavily altered &#8220;mitragynine-related compounds&#8221;\u2014specifically targeting highly concentrated or synthetic <strong>7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)<\/strong> tablets, liquid shots, and adulterated gas station products\u2014into <strong>Schedule I<\/strong> status.<sup><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. The Future Status is Still Being Debated<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While plain leaf is legal today, its long-term status in Ohio is still actively being contested on two fronts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Board of Pharmacy:<\/strong> The Board continues to review a separate, broader proposal that would fully schedule and ban natural kratom leaf. They are currently evaluating the immense volume of public comments (over 1,600 submitted) and reviewing the potential economic impact on small businesses before making a final decision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The State Legislature:<\/strong> Concurrently, lawmakers in the Ohio General Assembly are weighing pending legislation (like Senate Bill 299 \/ House Bill 587). These bills aim to protect the legality of plain leaf for adults by establishing a regulatory framework (such as age limits of 21+, strict labeling requirements, and lab-testing mandates) while keeping the ban on synthetics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short: Raw, unadulterated plain leaf is legal right now, but the synthetic extracts and concentrated tablets have been completely banned statewide, and the fight over the natural plant material is ongoing.<br><br><br><br>Ohio Board of Pharmacy Meeting<br><strong>Monday, April 13, 2026 BOARD MEETING 10:00 a.m. <\/strong><br><strong>1. Review of Public Comments \u2013 OAC 4729:9-1-01.1 \u2013 Mitragynine-Related Compounds<\/strong><br><strong>ONLINE streaming<\/strong> will be available via Teams for members of the public who prefer to view remotely.<br>Instructions to access the Teams Meeting will be located <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacy.ohio.gov\/boardmeeting\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacy.ohio.gov\/boardmeeting\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#135881\" class=\"has-inline-color\">HERE<\/mark><\/a> the morning of the meeting.<br><em>Instructions to access the Teams Meeting will be posted to this webpage approximately 30 minutes before the meeting.<\/em><br>IN PERSON: Limited seating for the public will be available. <br>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacy.ohio.gov\/boardmeeting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ohio Board of Pharmacy<\/a> meeting on <strong>Monday, April 13, 2026<\/strong>, will be held at the following location:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts<\/strong> <br>77 S. High Street, 17th Floor <br>Columbus, OH 43215<br><br><br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/OH\/drafts\/SB299\/2025\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/OH\/drafts\/SB299\/2025\">SB299<\/a> <br>Introduced in October 2025 is a regulatory bill aimed at controlling the sale and processing of kratom products. It is often referred to as a version of the <strong>Kratom Consumer Protection Act<\/strong>. &nbsp;<br><a href=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/OH\/drafts\/HB587\/2025\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/OH\/drafts\/HB587\/2025\">HB587<\/a>, companion bill of SB299 <br>While the Board of Pharmacy is moving forward with rules to schedule kratom alkaloids<br><br><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">URGENT &#8211; CALL TO ACTION<\/mark><\/strong><br>The following was compiled including information directly from GKC and other sources.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Committee Hearing <\/strong><br><strong>Tuesday, March 24th at 2:00 PM<\/strong><br><br>We have an incredible opportunity in Ohio to protect natural kratom and permanently push bad actors out of the market\u2014but we need your help to get it across the finish line.<br>Senate Bill 299 is currently moving through the Ohio Senate General Government Committee. Unlike the ban bills we\u2019ve fought in other states, SB 299 is a GOOD bill. It creates a strict regulatory and enforcement framework that ensures kratom products are unadulterated, accurately labeled, and safe for consumers.<br>This legislation safeguards consumer safety by establishing testing standards and age restrictions, while legally protecting the right of responsible adults to continue accessing safe, natural kratom products.<br><br><strong>Submit Written Testimony &amp; Register to Speak<\/strong><br>We need a massive show of support. Submit written testimony or sign up to testify verbally using the state\u2019s official <a href=\"https:\/\/ohiosenate.gov\/committees\/general-government\/meetings\/cmte_s_gen_govt_1_2026-03-24-0200_1209\/upload-testimony\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/ohiosenate.gov\/committees\/general-government\/meetings\/cmte_s_gen_govt_1_2026-03-24-0200_1209\/upload-testimony\"><strong>PORTAL<\/strong><\/a>: <br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br><strong>Deadline<\/strong><\/span>: <strong>Monday, March 23, 2026, by<\/strong> <strong>2:00 PM<\/strong>.<br><strong>Rule:<\/strong> Testimony must be submitted at least <strong>24 hours<\/strong> before the scheduled committee hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Submission Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you fill out the portal form, you will need to provide the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Agenda Item:<\/strong> Select <strong>SB 299<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Testifying As:<\/strong> Choose your position (e.g., <strong>Proponent<\/strong> if you support the bill).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Testimony Type:<\/strong> Select <strong>&#8220;Written Only&#8221;<\/strong> or <strong>&#8220;Verbal and Written&#8221;<\/strong> (if you plan to speak in person).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Format:<\/strong> <strong>Your testimony must be uploaded as a PDF document.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Personal Info:<\/strong> Your name, email, and physical address are required.<br><br><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What to Say (Testimony, Phone Calls &amp; Messages)<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subject Line: &#8220;Ohio Voter SUPPORTS SB 299 \u2014 Protect Consumer Safety&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salutation: &#8220;Dear Senator [Last Name] \/ Members of the Committee,&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statement: &#8220;I am an Ohio resident writing\/calling to respectfully ask you to SUPPORT SB 299.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Core Issue: &#8220;SB 299 provides a balanced legislative solution that safeguards consumer safety while allowing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>responsible adults to continue accessing safe, natural kratom products. The current lack of regulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>increases the risk of unsafe products and encourages bad actors in the market.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minors &amp; Transparency: &#8220;This legislation implements crucial age restrictions to keep these products out of the hands of minors. It<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>also mandates rigorous testing and clear labeling standards so consumers know exactly what they are<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>purchasing.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Product Distinction: &#8220;SB 299 correctly targets dangerous, adulterated products and high-potency synthetic 7-OH without<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>criminalizing the natural kratom leaf.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Request: &#8220;By establishing a strict regulatory framework, SB 299 ensures kratom products in Ohio are safe, natural,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and transparent.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal Story: [Insert concise &amp; impactful testimony about your personal experience with natural kratom.]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Closing: &#8220;Thank you for protecting the rights and safety of Ohio citizens by supporting SB 299. Sincerely, [Your<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Name], [Your Ohio Address\/Zip Code]&#8221;<br><br><strong>General Government Committee Members (136th General Assembly)<\/strong><br><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ohiosenate.gov\/senators\/roegner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kristina Roegner<\/a><\/strong><br>Chair (R) <a href=\"tel:6144664823\">614-466-4823<\/a> <a href=\"mailto:roegner@ohiosenate.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">roegner@ohiosenate.gov<\/a><br><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ohiosenate.gov\/senators\/gavarone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Theresa Gavarone<\/a><\/strong><br>Vice Chair (R) <a href=\"tel:6144668060\">614-466-8060<\/a> <a href=\"mailto:gavarone@ohiosenate.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gavarone@ohiosenate.gov<\/a><br><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=https:\/\/ohiosenate.gov\/senators\/blackshear\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Willis Blackshear, Jr.<\/a><\/strong> <br>Ranking Member (D) <a href=\"tel:6144665123\">614-466-5123<\/a> <a href=\"mailto:blackshear@ohiosenate.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> blackshear@ohiosenate.gov<\/a><br><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=https:\/\/ohiosenate.gov\/senators\/s-huffman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stephen Huffman<\/a><\/strong><br>Member (R) <a href=\"tel:6144666247\">614-466-6247<\/a> <a href=\"mailto:shuffman@ohiosenate.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">shuffman@ohiosenate.gov<\/a><br><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ohiosenate.gov\/senators\/reineke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bill Reineke<\/a><\/strong> <br>Member (R) <a href=\"tel:6144668049\">614-466-8049<\/a> <a href=\"mailto:reineke@ohiosenate.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reineke@ohiosenate.gov<\/a><br><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=https:\/\/ohiosenate.gov\/senators\/timken\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jane Timken<\/a><\/strong> <br>Member (R) <a href=\"tel:6144660626\">614-466-0626<\/a>  <a href=\"mailto:timken@ohiosenate.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">timken@ohiosenate.gov<\/a><br><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=https:\/\/ohiosenate.gov\/senators\/demora\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bill DeMora<\/a><\/strong> <br>Member (D) <a href=\"tel:6144664583\">614-466-4583<\/a> <a href=\"mailto:demora@ohiosenate.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">demora@ohiosenate.gov<\/a><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quick Tips for Your Testimony<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keep it Brief:<\/strong> One to two pages is generally the standard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be Clear:<\/strong> State your name and whether you support or oppose the bill in the first paragraph.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Address the Chair:<\/strong> Formally address the testimony to the Committee Chair and members of the General Government Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/OH\/drafts\/SB299\/2025\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/OH\/drafts\/SB299\/2025\">SB299<\/a> <br>Introduced in October 2025 is a regulatory bill aimed at controlling the sale and processing of kratom products. It is often referred to as a version of the <strong>Kratom Consumer Protection Act<\/strong>. &nbsp;<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/OH\/drafts\/HB587\/2025\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/OH\/drafts\/HB587\/2025\">HB587<\/a>, companion bill of SB299 <br>While the Board of Pharmacy is moving forward with rules to schedule kratom alkaloids, the <a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\">House Agriculture Committee<\/a> is currently reviewing <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\/bills\/hb587\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\/bills\/hb587\">HB587<\/a><\/strong> as the primary legislative solution to regulate the market rather than criminalize it. <strong>Meeting is March 4, 2026<\/strong>. More details below.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Bill-Analysis-587-ANHB0587IN-136.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Bill-Analysis-587-ANHB0587IN-136.pdf\">Read the Analysis of Bill HB587<\/a><br><br>Both bill regulate kratom: Formalize restrictions on high-potency alkaloids and synthetic derivatives.<br>Establish labeling and age requirements. Create testing and compliance standards and would protect access to natural, plain leaf kratom.<br>Ohio Board of Pharmacy <strong>Mitragynine-Related Compounds Rule 4729:9-1-01.1&nbsp;<\/strong><br><br><strong>Meeting Details<\/strong><br>Wednesday, March 4, 2026 &nbsp;<strong>Time:<\/strong> 10:45 AM<br>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohiochannel.org\/live\/ohio-house-agriculture-committee?fbclid=IwY2xjawQVMydleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1Tm9YaEJZblE4ZUxZbWttc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtlFlxi4YVYowEGFrNLVIH2ZmbjObPAYcRJIs6iHBKGFKi6HdHWLooxklnsL_aem_ZNUtlDgTb-us4vJxEpNBOg\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.ohiochannel.org\/live\/ohio-house-agriculture-committee?fbclid=IwY2xjawQVMydleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1Tm9YaEJZblE4ZUxZbWttc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtlFlxi4YVYowEGFrNLVIH2ZmbjObPAYcRJIs6iHBKGFKi6HdHWLooxklnsL_aem_ZNUtlDgTb-us4vJxEpNBOg\">WATCH THE HEARING on the Ohio Channel<\/a><br>Ohio Statehouse<br>1 Capitol Square, <strong>Room 121<\/strong>, <br>Columbus, OH 43215<br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OH-AGRICULTURAL-Comm-adgenda-notice.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OH-AGRICULTURAL-Comm-adgenda-notice.pdf\">Agenda<\/a>:<\/strong> The House Agricultural Committee is set to hold a <a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\/bills\/hb587\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2nd Hearing<\/a> for <strong>H.B. No. 587<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are planning to attend or provide testimony, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\/meetings\/cmte_h_agriculture_1_2026-03-04-1045_1125\/upload-testimony\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">upload your testimony<\/a> online. It is generally recommended to submit these documents at least 24 hours in advance. More details below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The committee is meeting for a <strong>second hearing<\/strong> on <strong>H.B. No. 587<\/strong>. You can find the official meeting details and options to <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\/meetings\/cmte_h_agriculture_1_2026-03-04-1045_1125\/upload-testimony\">submit testimony<\/a> on the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\/bills\/hb587\">Ohio House of Representatives website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note for Attendees:<\/strong> * <strong>Security:<\/strong> Visitors to the Ohio Statehouse must pass through a security screening, so it is recommended to arrive at least 15\u201320 minutes early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parking:<\/strong> The most convenient parking is the <strong>Statehouse Underground Parking Garage<\/strong>, which has entrances on East Broad Street, South Third Street, and State Street.<br><br><strong>Virtual Instructions<\/strong> to access the Teams Meeting for this Riffe Tower meeting will be located here the morning of the meeting. Interested parties may also attend in-person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To submit your testimony for the <strong>House Agriculture Committee<\/strong> hearing on <strong>March 4, 2026<\/strong>, you must follow a specific protocol required by the Ohio House of Representatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Submission Checklist<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10:45 AM (exactly 24 hours before the hearing).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Required Documents:<\/strong> You must submit both a <strong>Witness Information Form<\/strong> and your <strong>Written Testimony<\/strong> (both in PDF format).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Submission Method:<\/strong> Uploaded via the <a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\/meetings\/cmte_h_agriculture_1_2026-03-04-1045_1125\/upload-testimony\">House Agriculture Committee\u2019s official portal<\/a>.<br><br><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Step-by-Step Instructions<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Download the Witness Form:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Go to the<a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\"> House Agriculture Committee page<\/a> and download the <strong>Witness Information Form<\/strong>. You will need to indicate if you are a &#8220;Proponent&#8221; (supporting the bill), &#8220;Opponent&#8221; (against the bill), or &#8220;Interested Party&#8221; (neutral).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Draft Your Testimony<\/span>:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Heading:<\/strong> Address it to &#8220;Chairman [Name], Vice Chair [Name], Ranking Member [Name], and members of the House Agriculture Committee.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> Since this is the &#8220;Proponent&#8221; hearing, focus on why <strong>regulating<\/strong> kratom (HB 587) is better for Ohio than the Board of Pharmacy&#8217;s proposed total ban.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Personal Impact:<\/strong> If you use &#8220;pure form&#8221; kratom for health or wellness, explain how a ban would negatively affect your life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Save as PDF<\/span>:<br><\/strong>The committee portal only accepts <strong>PDF files<\/strong>. Ensure both your testimony and the witness form are saved correctly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Upload to the Portal<\/span>:<br><\/strong>Go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\/meetings\/cmte_h_agriculture_1_2026-03-04-1045_1125\/upload-testimony\">Testimony Upload Portal<\/a>. You will select the meeting date (March 4, 2026) and the bill number (<strong>HB 587<\/strong>).<br><br><strong>Important Notes for In-Person Attendance<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Security:<\/strong> Allow extra time to pass through Statehouse security at the 3rd Street or High Street entrances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Copies:<\/strong> While the digital upload is preferred, bringing <strong>20 hard copies<\/strong> of your testimony for the committee members and staff is a common courtesy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Oral Remarks:<\/strong> Be prepared to summarize your written testimony in <strong>3\u20135 minutes<\/strong>, as the Chair may limit time based on the number of witnesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">TIPS<\/span><\/strong><br>The committee is specifically looking for &#8220;Proponent&#8221; testimony during this session. To protect natural leaf kratom, emphasize that <strong>HB 587<\/strong> creates the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.ohio.gov\/legislation\/136\/sb299\">Kratom Consumer Protection Act<\/a>, which ensures that only &#8220;pure&#8221; products reach shelves by mandating third-party lab testing and banning dangerous synthetics.<br><br>To correctly address your testimony for the <strong>March 4, 2026<\/strong> hearing on <strong>HB 587<\/strong>, you should use the following leadership names and committee details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">House Agriculture Committee<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chairman:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\"> State Representative Roy Klopfenstein<\/a> (R-District 82)<br><strong>Vice Chair: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\">State Representative Johnathan Newman<\/a> (R-District 80)<br><strong>Ranking Member:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ballotpedia.org\/Agriculture_Committee,_Ohio_House_of_Representatives\"> State Representative Joe Miller III<\/a> (D-District 53)<br><br><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How to Address Your Testimony<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When drafting your letter (which must be a <strong>PDF<\/strong>), start with a formal salutation like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Chairman Klopfenstein, Vice Chair Newman, Ranking Member Miller, and members of the House Agriculture Committee, thank you for the opportunity to provide proponent testimony on House Bill 587&#8230;&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quick Submission Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> Tuesday, March 3, 2026, by <strong>10:45 AM<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Where to Upload:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\/meetings\/cmte_h_agriculture_1_2026-03-04-1045_1125\/upload-testimony\"> Ohio House Testimony Portal<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What to Upload:<\/strong> 1. Your written testimony (PDF).<br>2. The completed <a href=\"https:\/\/ohiohouse.gov\/committees\/agriculture\">Witness Information Form<\/a> (PDF).<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PREVIOUS MEETINGS<br><br><strong>March 2, 2026<\/strong> Probation Committee Meeting \u2013 9:30 a.m. <br>Board Meeting &#8211; 10:00 a.m. <br>Vern Riffe Center \u2013 17th Floor \u2013 Hearing Room <br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ohio-March-2-2026-Meeting.mp4\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ohio-March-2-2026-Meeting.mp4\">Video from meeting<\/a> Click on the link to watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Other Information<\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kratom is not on the agenda for public testimony at the February 24, 2026 meeting, this is because that specific meeting is a general board meeting rather than a formal Public Rule Hearing.<br><br>Public testimony in the Ohio rulemaking process typically occurs at a specific stage after a rule is filed with the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review<\/span> (JCARR). Here is the current timeline and when you can expect your next opportunity to speak:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1. <strong>The Rule Status<\/strong><br>Initial Comment Period (Closed): The Board already accepted written comments on the proposed scheduling of mitragynine (natural kratom) through January 28, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Current Phase<\/strong>: <br>The Board voted on February 2, 2026, to advance the rule. It is now being prepared for formal filing with JCARR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2. <strong>When Public Testimony Happens<\/strong><br>Under Ohio law, once the Board &#8220;Original Files&#8221; the rule with JCARR, they are required to hold a Public Rule Hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<strong>Timing<\/strong>: <br>This hearing must occur 31 to 40 days after the rule is filed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><br><br><br><br><strong>March 30, 2026<\/strong><br>Acting under the authority of the Ohio Revised Code Sections 119.03 to 119.13, and Chapter 4729., the Ohio Board of Pharmacy hereby announces a public hearing will be held on March 30 , at 11:00 a.m. in the St. , Columbus, Ohio.<br><br>This is a statement of the agency\u2019s intention to adopt\/rescind the following rules: Rule Number 9101.1 Type Tagline 4729: New MitragynineRelated Compounds.<br><br>The full text of the proposed\/rescinded rules is available at the office of the Ohio Board of Pharmacy in printed form without charge to any person affected by such proposals. The proposed rules may be accessed directly by clicking on the rule links in the table above or can be found on the Register of Ohio\u2019s web site at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.registerofohio.state.oh.us\/rules\/search\">http:\/\/www.registerofohio.state.oh.us\/rules\/search<\/a> .<br><br>PLEASE NOTE: It may take up to 24 hours from the filing date for the rules to be posted. On the date and at the time and place designated in this notice, any person affected by the proposed action of the Ohio Board of Pharmacy may appear and be heard in person, by his\/her attorney, or both; may present his\/her position, arguments, or contentions orally or in writing; offer witnesses; and, present evidence tending to show that any proposal, if adopted or effectuated, will be unreasonable or unlawful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Wednesday, March 4, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Time:<\/strong> 9:00 a.m. \u2013 5:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> * <strong>In-Person:<\/strong> Vern Riffe Center, 17th Floor, Board Meeting Room, 77 S. High St., Columbus, OH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ohio Board of Pharmacy 05-26-2026Consumer and Retailer Notice: Sale and Possession of Kratom in Ohio Date RevisedThis document replaces all previous guidance issued by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy on the enforcement of OAC 4729:9-1-01.1 and the manufacture, possession, and sale of kratom in Ohio. Consumer and Retail Notice &#8211; Sale and Possession of Kratom [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":1981,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2098","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2098","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2098"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2098\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3126,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2098\/revisions\/3126"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1981"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2098"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}