My journey with kratom began after an accident at work. I was attacked while transferring  a non-compliant dementia patient while trying to provide care. This incident caused me to herniate discs and this in turn caused nerve compression which in turn brought on fibromyalgia and chronic migraines. I’ve gone the pain mgmt route. Endless epidural steroid shots (which has caused my vertebrae to become more brittle)a pain med and a muscle is how I get through. But a few years back they cut my meds in 1/2 and my private insurance won’t approve the shots I need when I need them. (Why the hell do I pay exorbitant premiums again??Whats the point of private insurance??)I believe the shots accelerated my degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis. I need to work, and by the end of some work days I am in tears from the pain and walk hunched over. I then cannot get any housework done when I get home because of the pain. It’s depressing and it is no way to live a life. This is where kratom comes in. I take a teaspoon when the pain starts. If I had taken a prescription med that day I wait between 6-7 hours before I dose with the kratom. The results are astounding. Not only can I get through the day, the pain is severely diminished and I am more productive. I can come home after work and do a few things that need to get done. This tree leaf does not need to be banned. It needs to regulated and rigorously studied by scientists with a desired interest in this plant and its pharmacological makeup. I understand the pharmaceutical companies will not benefit from this but haven’t they profited enough  from all the other drugs they peddle? By banning this miracle leaf you will be taking away many people’s daily mobility(most take it for grated, their cravings for alcohol , opioids, or harder drugs. And you will be stealing  joy and ease of mind from depressive people. I am sure there are many other issues this plant can aid people with. The benefits outweigh the risks in my opinion, but no one’s opinion counts because it needs to be researched and regulated. Thank you for allowing me this platform to speak, and thank you for your time.