I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed ban on Kratom in Virginia. Specifically, I do not support the petition requesting that the Board amend 18VAC110-20-322 to classify Kratom as a Schedule I criminal substance. A ban would negatively impact me and scores of law-abiding, responsible citizens.

Kratom is a valuable supplement for many individuals, providing relief from chronic pain, improving mood and general well-being without the risks associated with other, more dangerous substances. Banning Kratom would unjustly criminalize its use and deny many people a natural alternative that has significantly improved their quality of life.

Kratom is also a promising alternative to addictive prescription or illicit substances and has a lot of potential for use by those recovering from addictive substances, and banning it would deny people the right to use it as well as stop valuable research from being done on its benefits.

I urge the Board to carefully consider the evidence and the testimonies of those who have benefited from Kratom. Implementing a ban would be a detrimental step that overlooks the positive impacts this substance has had on countless Virginians and criminalizes a safe and natural supplement which is not mentally impairing and supports general well-being.

Do not add the natural herbal supplement Kratom to a category of illegal Schedule 1 substances. There is no conclusive evidence indicating that Kratom is harmful, and numerous reports highlight its benefits in improving the quality of life for many individuals.

According to addiction expert Jack Henningfield, Ph.D., of Pinney Associates, the addiction risk profile of Kratom is similar to that of coffee. Additionally, a group of scientists has sent a letter to the federal government opposing the ban on Kratom, and have continued to testify to federal, state, and local government officials to demonstrate that there is early empirical and testimonial evidence underscoring its safety and benefits and no conclusive evidence that Kratom is harmful or unsafe.

As a concerned citizen, I strongly oppose the proposed ban on Kratom in Virginia. Personally, it has been extremely helpful and useful to me in managing chronic pain from a car accident and a cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck) as well as for alleviating migraine headaches. I have not experienced any adverse side effects or problems with this supplement. Banning Kratom would hinder research and potentially push individuals towards more dangerous opioids. 

Kratom is not a threat to public health. Our citizens should have the right to use this supplement as they choose. I do believe Kratom should be regulated for quality to prohibit contaminants and potential adulteration as in the Kratom Consumer Protection Act that Virginia has adopted.

All Kratom vendors I have purchased Kratom from use good manufacturing practices as are the standard of safety and quality in the supplement industry, as well as publish test results for all batches of Kratom leaf products they sell for contamination by microorganisms, mold, heavy metals, etc. The vendors also destroy any contaminated or nonconformant batches rather than sell them to the public. I urge you to support the continued legality of Kratom and to protect the rights of Virginia residents to access this beneficial herbal supplement.

Thank you for your consideration.

- Aaron