I implore you to not criminalize Kratom.  My husband (58) and I (62) both take Kratom to manage chronic pain issues. My husband was on opioids (hydrocodone) for many years. he was addicted to the PRESCRIBED and FDA-approved medication that in the end, was causing more pain than it was relieving. He was treated like an addict for wanting pain relief. He was dying from the side effects - with a heart rate over 100 bmp.  We had to find something else. We found kratom powder about  9 years ago, via a friend. My husband has used kratom to stop taking prescription drugs and finally was able to work after 10 years of disability. Unlike the opioids that he HAD TO HAVE, he can control when he takes or does not take Kratom.  Kratom saved his life and our marriage.  Are we criminals for wanting pain relief that works?   There are pros and cons to taking any product, natural or otherwise. BUT.. should using Kratom make me a criminal?  Kratom provides relief that allows us to be productive and hold a job.  We understand there is potential for abuse of this product, but that is true of any product.  There are thousands of us who take this product responsibly. Turning those of us who use Kratom into criminals is an injustice.  Again, I implore you to leave our affordable pain relief alone.