Rep. Brennan Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Ohioans from Unregulated Kratom Products While Legislature Continues to Debate Policy

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) today urged Governor Mike DeWine and state agencies to take every lawful step available to protect Ohioans—especially children and teenagers—from unregulated natural kratom products while the Ohio General Assembly continues to deliberate long-term legislation.

“The reality is that the General Assembly has debated kratom for years without reaching a consensus,” said Rep. Brennan. “While I personally support banning natural kratom because of the significant unanswered questions surrounding its safety, I recognize that I am currently in the minority on that position. Until the Legislature finally acts, we cannot simply do nothing.”

Rep. Brennan expressed particular concern over the lack of comprehensive scientific research regarding the short-term and long-term health effects of natural kratom, especially on adolescents and young adults.

“Ohio families deserve facts, not uncertainty,” continued Rep. Brennan. “We simply do not have sufficient research to fully understand the impacts of this substance. That alone should compel us to exercise caution and ensure that children cannot easily access these products.”

The comments follow discussions before the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) regarding the Ohio Board of Pharmacy’s authority to regulate natural and synthetic kratom. Rep. Brennan praised Governor DeWine for directing state agencies to address the issue after years of legislative inaction.

“I appreciate Governor DeWine’s willingness to engage on this issue when the Legislature has struggled to do so,” added Rep. Brennan. “However, regardless of ongoing legal and regulatory debates, I hope the Governor and every appropriate state agency will use every tool available to keep kratom out of the hands of minors, educate consumers about the potential risks, and ensure Ohioans understand that many important questions about this substance remain unanswered.”

Rep. Brennan also called for a coordinated public education campaign involving the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and the Board of Pharmacy to provide clear information about kratom products, potential health risks, and the lack of conclusive scientific evidence regarding their safety.

“The Legislature is entering its summer recess and is unlikely to revisit kratom legislation until later this year, if at all,” said Rep. Brennan. “That means months will pass with products continuing to be sold in a largely unregulated marketplace. During that time, our priority should be protecting children, informing consumers, and preventing avoidable tragedies.”

Rep. Brennan emphasized that reasonable people could disagree on whether natural kratom should ultimately be legal, regulated, or prohibited.

“What should unite all of us is the belief that Ohio’s children should not have unrestricted access to a psychoactive substance with so many unanswered questions,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “Until the General Assembly gets its act together and establishes a clear policy, I hope the Governor and our state agencies will continue doing everything within their lawful authority to promote public safety and educate Ohioans about the risks.”