COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine and Attorney General Andy Wilson issued a public safety bulletin Thursday warning that some products sold as the herbal supplement cat’s claw actually contain illegal synthetic kratom, a substance linked to a fatal overdose in the state.
The bulletin, issued jointly by the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said cat’s claw, or Uncaria tomentosa, is itself legal, but the state has confirmed multiple cases in which products labeled as the herb instead contained synthetic kratom, a banned compound that produces opioid-like effects.
In one case cited in the bulletin, investigators found a package labeled “Happy Daze Botanical Mango,” advertised as containing 375 milligrams of cat’s claw, at the scene of a fatal overdose. Forensic analysis by BCI determined the package actually contained synthetic kratom, though toxicology results in the death remain pending.
Ohio banned kratom-derived products under an emergency rule in December 2025. State officials said synthetic kratom compounds are highly addictive and have been tied to psychosis, seizures, insomnia, hallucinations and death. Several other states have reported similar cases of adulterated cat’s claw products, according to the bulletin.
The bulletin also identified other mislabeled “gray market” herbal supplements containing synthetic opioids and LSD. Officials said the products are often sold in brightly colored, eye-catching packaging and claim to contain only benign natural ingredients.
“We strongly encourage individuals to avoid purchasing herbal supplements from places like gas stations and vape shops,” DeWine said in a statement. “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,” Wilson said in a statement. “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.”
State officials are asking anyone with a questionable product to report it to the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center by calling 1-833-OHIO-NIC (1-833-644-6642) or submitting a tip through the center’s website. Officials said anyone who suspects an overdose should call 911, administer naloxone if available, and stay with the person until emergency responders arrive, noting naloxone is safe to use even when multiple drugs are involved. More information on naloxone is available at naloxone.ohio.gov.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Ohio Governor’s Office.
