COLUMBUS — The Ohio Board of Pharmacy should immediately designate all synthetic kratom compounds as illegal drugs through an emergency rule, Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday.

The governor is also asking OBP to schedule natural kratom through the regular rulemaking process.

Mr. DeWine previously called for all natural and synthetic kratom compounds to be prohibited, but walked back that request after discussing the issue with federal officials.

“In reviewing this issue over the past few weeks, national experts — including the FDA — agree that synthetic kratom compounds should be scheduled as illegal,” Mr. DeWine said.

“However, while there is a clear path to take action on synthetic kratom, I still have deep concerns about natural kratom, given the harms, including fatalities, attribut

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