The state of Ohio is in a mini-panic about the kratom plant and its derivative alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). We should be cautious before we launch the next war on drugs, which would cause further harm to consumers and families.

Driven by some fear-mongering headlines, industry lobbying, and even Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling the drugs “gas station heroin” (cheeky enough for a former heroin addict), the momentum is enough that Ohio’s leaders have been called on to act.

In late August, Gov. Mike DeWine called on the State Board of Pharmacy to label the natural kratom leaf and all its compounds as Schedule 1 drugs, the harshest classification, deeming there is no medicinal use and a high potential for abuse. A scheduled b

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