Making Kratom illegal is unnecessary and a broad step in the wrong direction!

I am a 70 yr old Kratom consumer. I have consumed Kratom for 10 yrs without any ill effects. In fact, my primary care physician, orthopedic surgeon, OB/GYN and dentist all approve of my decision to consume pure, unadulterated lab tested Kratom. 
I spent over 25 yrs living in an opioid induced fog from prescription opioids. My health suffered drastically, my social life was nonexistent and my ability to drive was hindered out of fear I would get in an accident and be charged with a DUI! 
Today, I am thriving! I quit ALL opioids in 2017. My PCP has done comprehensive lab work on me every six months since 2017 to monitor any ill effects since not much was known scientifically about Kratom at the time. All my labs improved within 4 months of choosing Kratom to manage my chronic pain from two failed lower back surgeries, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. My liver function improved and is right in the middle of the standard range. My cholesterol dropped 40 points and my blood sugar dropped from 105 to 85 and has maintained these improvements for eight years

To ban Kratom in Virginia would be a huge mistake. I live in North Carolina and travel to Virginia. I would become a criminal as soon as I crossed the border into Virginia.

Rather than ban Kratom you should contact the American Kratom Association and let the organization guide you to developing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act that numerous states have passed. This would provide clear age limits for consumption, and protect consumers from bad actors who add illicit drugs to Kratom to boost sales. KCPA would also provide law enforcement with clear guidelines when encountering Kratom. 
Pure unadulterated Kratom powder that has been lab tested for heavy metals, salmonella and illicit drugs is safe and should be the consumer’s choice. Even the FDA had to admit in a California court that it has no evidence Kratom is dangerous or an eminent threat to consumers.
I am begging you to reconsider your choices. Do not ban Kratom! You will be hurting so many law abiding Kratom consumers who have had their lives changed by this harmless leaf. 
Please follow the actual science available and do not believe the lies and misinformation. 
The citizens in your state should have the freedom to choose safe, unadulterated Kratom.

Thank you for your time,

Mrs. Eadie Rowell

Zebulon, NC