Toledo council calls on state to regulate natural-leaf kratom; local ban proposal sent to committee

The Toledo City Council on Sept. 9 adopted an amended resolution urging the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy to develop and implement a regulatory framework for natural-leaf kratom that would include product testing, age restrictions and truthful labeling to protect patients. The council voted to send a separate ordinance that would ban kratom sales in Toledo to the public safety committee for further review.

Councilman Malden introduced Resolution 350-25 and described an amendment that calls for state regulation to ensure safe legal access for people using natural-leaf kratom, noting public testimony that some users say kratom helps them manage pain. “This is simply saying we hear that need. So let’s move toward the healthiest, safest use of that pain medication,” Malden said.

The amended resolution urges state action and follows Governor DeWine’s request for state-level attention, according to remarks recorded in the meeting. The council adopted the amended resolution by roll call. A separate city ordinance (Ordinance 351-25) to prohibit the sale of kratom was formally referred to the Public Safety Committee rather than being adopted at the meeting.

Recorded votes show the resolution passed with an affirmative roll call. The referral of the prohibition ordinance places further consideration on the Public Safety Committee agenda rather than enacting an immediate local ban.

No new local criminal penalties or enforcement details were established at the Sept. 9 meeting; the resolution expresses the council’s position and the ordinance referral starts the committee process.