I’ve been taking kratom since 2015 for all types of pain & mood issues in addition to other supplements & Rx that all help other areas as well. I was on opioid medication for over 10 years & even had to use a wheelchair. I was so desperate to find something else though because I had too many side effects. It ruined my GI tract , gave me permanent hyperalgesia and I lost my teeth. I found kratom and it worked to help me wean off them and gave me quality of life back where I had little. It helps me manage but it’s not as strong as the Rx I had. Therefore I’m still limited but it helps me have some control back & my pain is from where it should be-not everywhere. I’ve taken it everyday unless I needed to take a break for other reasons and have had no withdrawals or psychological dependence. I just feel “normal”. My 72 yr old mom even takes it for RLS, otherwise she can’t function in the day because her Rx puts her to sleep. A scheduling of kratom sets a very bad pattern and is completely undeserved once you read the SCIENCE. Please, do not criminalize it. Pain patients already have to practically beg for any help. Some have committed suicide over banning it because their quality of life is so bad. Thank you for your time. I hope we are HEARD. ~ M