Ohio Warns Mislabeled Supplements May Contain Illegal Drugs, Including Synthetic Kratom
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Attorney General Andy Wilson on November 6 issued a public bulletin from the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) warning that some readily available products labeled as dietary supplements may contain illegal substances.
Of particular concern are products that claim to be the herbal supplement "cat's claw" (Uncaria tomentosa). While cat's claw itself is a legal product, Ohio has confirmed multiple cases in which alleged cat's claw products actually contained illegal synthetic kratom. In one example, Ohio authorities found a package of "Happy Daze Botanical Mango," which claimed to be 375mg of cat's claw, at the scene of a fatal overdose. Although toxicology tests are pending, forensic analysis by BCI found that the package contained synthetic kratom.
Banned in Ohio in 2025, synthetic kratom compounds produce opioid-like effects, are highly addictive, and have been found to cause psychosis, seizures, insomnia, hallucinations, and death. Several other states have also documented similar cases of adulterated cat's claw products. As outlined in the bulletin, Ohio has also identified several instances of mislabeled products that contained other illegal drugs such as synthetic opioids and LSD. Falsely labeled, "gray market" herbal supplements are often sold in brightly colored packaging with eye-catching designs; they claim to contain benign, naturally occurring ingredients but are oftentimes laced with illegal substances known to cause severe health issues, hospitalization, and the risk of an overdose.
"We strongly encourage individuals to avoid purchasing herbal supplements from places like gas stations and vape shops," said Governor DeWine. "There is no quality control on these products, so those who ingest them are taking a serious gamble with their health." "Selling these unregulated products puts lives in danger and exposes retailers to serious legal liability," Attorney General Andy Wilson said. "To consumers: If you aren't absolutely sure what you're buying and ingesting, it simply isn't worth the risk. I urge lawmakers to partner with law enforcement on solutions that keep these mislabeled products off store shelves."
Anyone with a questionable product can send a tip to the ONIC by calling 1-833-OHIO-NIC (1-833-644-6642) or by filling out the tip/lead form on the ONIC's website. If an overdose is suspected, call 911, administer naloxone, and stay with the individual until emergency medical personnel arrive.
(Source: Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine)
Source: Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：俄亥俄州议会大厦。Sixflashphoto 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Ohio Statehouse. Photo by Sixflashphoto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
