7-Hydroxy.co

7-OH Legal StatusUpdated

Ohio

Banned · Schedule I controlled substance

Effective
2026-05-14
Classification
Schedule I felony
Age limit
7-OH cap

Possession, sale, or distribution of 7-hydroxymitragynine is illegal in Ohio. The substance is classified under state controlled-substances law and enforcement is active.

§ 01

Summary

Synthetic kratom / 7-OH is Schedule I in Ohio; permanent rule takes effect May 14, 2026, replacing the December 2025 emergency rule. Natural leaf still under separate consideration.

§ 02

Detailed status

Ohio's permanent rule making synthetic kratom (including 7-hydroxymitragynine) a Schedule I controlled substance cleared the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) on April 13, 2026 and takes effect May 14, 2026. It replaces the 180-day emergency rule Gov. DeWine ordered in December 2025 (which would have expired June 10). The rule specifically targets synthetically modified mitragynine derivatives created by exposing plant alkaloids to 'harsh, toxic agents'; natural kratom leaf remains under separate Pharmacy Board consideration. HB 587 (the Ohio Kratom Consumer Protection Act) would separately cap 7-OH at 1 mg per product.

§ 03

Timeline

How 7-OH law and enforcement has evolved in Ohio.

2026

2 events
  1. NewsStatehouse News Bureau

    Permanent ban on synthetic kratom sales in Ohio to go into effect in May

    JCARR cleared the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's permanent rule placing synthetic kratom (including 7-OH) on Schedule I effective May 14, 2026. The rule replaces the December 2025 emergency ban and targets synthetic derivatives specifically; natural leaf is handled under a separate pending rule.

  2. NewsOhio Board of Pharmacy

    Ohio Board of Pharmacy April 2026 Rules and Resolutions

    Official Board of Pharmacy meeting packet documenting the permanent rule classifying Mitragynine-Related Compounds (synthetic 7-OH) as Schedule I.

2025

3 events
  1. CourtOhio Capital Journal

    Ohio Board of Pharmacy issues emergency ruling banning most kratom products for 180 days

    The Ohio Board of Pharmacy enacted a 180-day emergency rule making it illegal to sell, possess, or distribute kratom products containing synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine or any derivative beyond plain mitragynine leaf.

  2. NewsStatehouse News Bureau

    Gov. DeWine orders Ohio Board of Pharmacy to ban synthetic kratom immediately

    Governor Mike DeWine directed the Ohio State Pharmacy Board to issue an emergency ban on synthetic kratom and 7-OH products and hold hearings within six months on classifying 7-OH as a controlled substance.

  3. NewsOhio Capital Journal

    Ohio Republican lawmaker wants to regulate kratom products and ban synthetic kratom

    Reps. Mike Odioso and Brian Lorenz introduced HB 587, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which would cap 7-hydroxymitragynine at 1 mg per product and prohibit synthetic 7-OH.

§ 04

Frequently asked

Direct answers about 7-hydroxymitragynine in Ohio.

Is 7-hydroxymitragynine legal in Ohio?
Possession, sale, or distribution of 7-hydroxymitragynine is illegal in Ohio. The substance is classified under state controlled-substances law and enforcement is active.
Can I buy 7-OH online and have it shipped to Ohio?
No. Because 7-OH is banned in Ohio, shipping the product into the state generally violates state law. Purchasers and sellers can both be subject to enforcement action.
Is kratom the same as 7-hydroxymitragynine in Ohio?
Not exactly. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is the plant; 7-hydroxymitragynine is one of its active alkaloids, which can also be concentrated or semi-synthesized to much higher potencies than occur naturally. Ohio's laws may treat the natural leaf, its alkaloids, and concentrated/synthetic 7-OH differently — see the Legal at a Glance panel above for the specifics that apply here.
What are the penalties for 7-OH possession in Ohio?
In Ohio, possession of 7-hydroxymitragynine is treated as Schedule I controlled substance (synthetic kratom / 7-OH). Enforcement is typically handled by Ohio Board of Pharmacy; Ohio State Highway Patrol. Actual prosecution outcomes depend on quantity, prior record, and local prosecutorial discretion.
Is Ohio considering new 7-OH legislation?
Yes. HB 587 (Introduced Nov 2025), Natural leaf rule (Pending Common Sense Initiative review). Kratom Consumer Protection Act — would cap 7-hydroxymitragynine at 1 mg per product and prohibit synthetic 7-OH. Separate Ohio Board of Pharmacy rule addressing natural kratom leaf (distinct from the synthetic-kratom ban taking effect May 14, 2026).
What happens if I already bought 7-OH and Ohio's law changes?
Laws typically distinguish between sale (prohibited for retailers immediately) and personal possession (often given a grace period, though not always). When Ohio has changed status in the past, state agencies have usually issued guidance to consumers and retailers. Check the most recent state guidance linked in the Sources section before assuming an existing purchase remains legal.
When was this page last verified?
This page was last reviewed on 2026-04-16. Because kratom and 7-OH law changes quickly, we re-verify active-legislation states at least quarterly and update the page when new bills, court rulings, or enforcement actions are reported. This is not legal advice — verify the current statute or consult an attorney in Ohio before relying on it.

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