The comments on “Kratom deaths/overdoses” and other such misconstrued info is dangerously misleading.

Kratom has been used for centuries. Kratom isn’t directly linked as a contributing factor in overdoses that I see mentioned here. These “Kratom-positive” overdoses? The overdose and death is not due to Kratom. We have to assume the deceased was also “caffeine positive” and maybe “nicotine positive” and perhaps “ibuprofen/acetaminophen positive” as well. These individuals overdosed due to the Fentanyl, heroin, or prescription opioids they had taken.  And only 900ish of these are Kratom positive? Out of the MILLIONS of overdoses in this country? This means it should be banned? Please. 

They likely had Kratom in their system because they were making an attempt to start getting better, bless their souls. THIS is what Kratom does relating to the opioid crisis- it helps people who are committed to getting better by giving them a natural, inexpensive option to try- and if they’re lucky, it helps. If the individuals were “Kratom positive” at the time of their death because they were looking for some sort of high from it - beyond a short-term minor caffeine like energy boost - they were most certainly gravely disappointed with Kratom.

It should go without saying that someone could be injured due to tainted Kratom - this is a different situation. In this case, what they’ve used is not truly Kratom. Anything tainted can be very bad - which is why people have been asking for safe regulation.

The science simply doesn’t support any bans, and I have to wonder who these people are who are pushing these dangerous narratives versus being willing to support regulation. Who are you? Drug companies looking to make all the bucks you can? Drug dealers who hate to see a customer become a recovering, former customer? Someone who doesn’t understand the nature of chronic pain and/or addiction disease, and needs a dangerous hobby? I simply don’t understand. I don’t want to see my beautiful home state be whisked down the wrong path on this.

We are in so much trouble in our country due to the opioid crisis. If this plant an help even one person to stay clean, get clean, or to make better choices - why would anyone dare to want to take that away?