Kratom in Columbus, Ohio.

In Columbus, kratom in its natural vegetative form (such as leaf or simple powder) is still legal to sell and possess under current Ohio rules, while synthetic mitragynine-related compounds and most kratom derivatives are banned statewide and classified as Schedule I controlled substances. Ohio’s permanent ban on synthetic kratom took effect in May 2026, replacing an earlier emergency rule; a separate rule that would also place natural kratom under Schedule I is under review but has not yet been finalized or clearly implemented. There is no publicly documented Columbus-specific municipal ordinance banning natural kratom, but ongoing state-level rulemaking could change its status, so local conditions should be checked for updates.

Natural kratom products that comply with Ohio Department of Agriculture food safety and registration requirements are sold mainly through smoke and vape shops, gas stations, convenience stores, and some specialty herb or head shops. Retail food establishments may sell kratom only if properly registered, so availability tends to concentrate in outlets that follow these state registration and product-handling rules.