Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Pharmacy
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy [18 VAC 110 ‑ 20]
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6/5/24  12:54 pm
Commenter: Briana Fuller

Don’t Ban / Criminalize Kratom
 

Criminalization of a product that has multiple medicinal benefits will ultimately *not* be a net positive for society or the communities in which it is sold / used. Kratom is used for things such as pain relief, increasing energy, and in more serious cases helping those who are addicted to opioids wean themselves off. Throughout history we have seen what happens when certain things become banned- the demand for those substances does not decrease, so making them inaccessible in a controlled setting just means that people will seek them out anyways, in less safer and less controlled settings. Having a substance sold in a controlled manner is better than people trying to get whatever they can as a supplement( for example someone using “spice” on accident instead of Kratom.) Also one of the most amazing things about America is the free will we all have as humans and citizens. As adults with autonomy we should be able to decide what products, substances, etc. to consume. Just like with alcohol, it is up to the individual to know the proper ways to use and consume, and how to mitigate the risks. In addition to all of that, products sold (KRATOM) create revenue for businesses(such as a smoke shop), and the businesses pay taxes, which is money put back into local and federal governments. 

CommentID: 225115