Ohio moves to regulate kratom – used for pain, opioid addiction – but some say it’s dangerous
The Ohio House passed a bill allowing for regulation of kratom on Wednesday, a controversial move given that some medical experts have called it addictive and harmful.
Kratom is an herbal extract from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree and is typically taken as a powder or tea. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the extract can decrease pain, lead to pleasure or sedation and can help people cope with opioid withdrawal.
Currently, its use is not outlawed in Ohio, and it is sold in specialty stores, head shops, gas stations and online. But whether it’s safe has been a matter of debate.
In 2018, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy attempted to make kratom a Schedule I controlled substance. The board said its substances have high potential for abuse, and some health professionals say negative side effects outweigh benefits.
