CINCINNATI —

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is renewing a request to the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to designate all synthetic kratom compounds and other compounds derived from the active ingredient in kratom as illegal drugs.

DeWine announced the request on Thursday, saying it comes after a pause to review potential federal action. Advertisement

DeWine originally called on the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to classify kratom as a Schedule I drug in August, calling it an "imminent public health risk.”

The governor's proposal would make Ohio the first state to take such strong action against kratom.

Kentucky lawmakers enacted a 21-plus age limit on kratom last year, while Indiana banned it completely in 2014. Ohio currently has no restrictions.

Kratom is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administ

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