Banning kratom will undoubtedly have negative consequences on the community and promote illicit opioid use and removes a drastically safer option for people who have suffered from addiction and chronic pain. it makes no sense to do something so extreme especially in the times we are living. Millions of people use kratom safely every day. I have used it off and on for years and have had no health issues like those caused by illicit and pharmaceutical medications.  I have stopped using with relative ease compared to other substances including coffee/ caffeine. To ban katom will remove a helpful tool we need in this opioid epidemic. It makes a much sense as Banning coffee because methamphetamine exists. They are not the same . And should not be treated as such