Kratom has made a huge impact on my life. Dealing with chronic pain my whole life, kratom has been the only thing that helps me deal with it.

I’ve refused to take medication for my chronic pain due to side effects and how much it can harm you, and kratom is a NATURAL herb that has made a huge impact on my life

I take Kratom for pain and it helped me get off alcohol and pain pills.

I'm a law-abiding, contributing member of society and of this country. Kratom has helped me stop alcohol and opiate use which was killing me and ruining my life. Kratom is so mild but effective for ailments that it has absolutely no negative affects whatsoever. I’m afraid that if Kratom is banned, I will go back to my old habits again.

I have read the stories about the two people who died from Kratom but these stories are not accurate. I can’t believe that they did not examine the other substances found in their system. This is soooo wrong and biased against Kratom. I hope you will read what the Kratom Association has provided on the details of this study. It would be a crime not to give it a fair reading.

Benefits everyone in the community and gives them a safe place to enjoy kratom and the benefits it provides. It’s a safer alternative to alcohol and doesn’t restrict or impair your ability to function.

Helped save my life

I have been using kratom products for 3 years and see a primary physician with regular labs and I can testify that kratom has been a positive factor to my life.

I know many people across the country that have benefited from using kratom.

After YEARS of taking the strongest pain pills I became dependent on them, I was a shell of a person and then one day my dr stopped prescribing the medications, I was SO SICK and saw a video about kratom and decided to try it, BEST THING I EVER DID... now kratom is the ONLY THING I need for my pain, 2 back surgeries and I've been able to completely rebuild my life!! The pure leaf powder was my lifesaver truly”.

I have been using Kratom for many years with no issues!

I take kratom to stay off drugs for my debilitating sciatica. If I don't have it I'd have to get on narcotic pain relief because ibuprofen alone doesn't help it. but with kratom, I can keep it eased with ibuprofen and kratom.

To mess with it would put many people like me in a horrible way! DO NOT BAN IT OR MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME TO HAVE PAIN RELIEF! KEEP THE FLORIDA KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT AS IT IS. DO NOT ADD NEW REGULATIONS FOUND IN HB 1489 AND SB 1734

I have taken Kratom for over 25 years with no problems. It has helped tremendously with my back painand neck pain.

Please don't change the regulations as they are. Thanks!

Kratom has helped my ADHD symptoms without use of prescription!

I have a neck injury. I underwent years of physical therapy and medication and despite this was in constant pain. Kratom was the first thing that made me pain free, and I am grateful to say after a few more years of Kratom and treatment that I am now completely pain free, with no medication. Banning Kratom will damage our communities and leave many suffering in silence

I started using kratom when life was tough, I was on antidepressants and it was slowly killing me inside. I did not feel any emotions or anything.

When I found kratom, I was able to find a new way of life, a new way to feel, and finally a way to get off anti-depressants

Kratom saved my life. A Dr put me on FDA approved pain pills then took me off abruptly a few years later. I tried kratom and it saved my life.Saved me from addiction too. I can get out of bed and be the grandma I always wanted to be to my grandson.

Please just regulate kratom. I'm a responsible person. Thank you

I've been taking kratom products for several years in order to relieve pain in my hands. I am nearly 50 and own two businesses in the state of Florida. Without kratom I don't know what I would do. Being addicted to prescription opiates in the past limits my options.

Please don't take away the one safe option I have found

Started taking kratom 9 years ago and it has literally saved my life.

Since I've been taking kratom, I stopped craving opiates and alcohol.. Kratom has stabilized. me and it helps tremendously with back pain

Kratom has helped me significantly with stress, severe insomnia, and chronic pain relief. Keep it legal.

I never knew what Kratom was until a year ago. You see, I was a heavy drinker. The only escape from a hard day's work was a nice cold beer and a shot to chase it down. In my employment, my position is a demanding one. I oversee 21 employees and my position is very stressful.

Last year I went to recertify my medical examination card, which is required in my field. The news I got from the doctor was unheard of. He explained to me that my blood pressure was sky high, and he could not re certify my examination until I went to see the doctor

So now I am sitting in the Doctor's office for a visit I thought I would never need to schedule. High blood pressure. What are the odds

After several tests including blood, my doctor sat down with me and introduced me to blood pressure medicine. She told me to take pills until next visit.

The next visit was a month later. Doctor was not impressed with the results and prescribed me a higher dose of medicine.

Thats when I was introduced to Kratom.

I explained to my friend what was going on, and he insisted for me not to take the new medication. He explained to me that my problem was the alcohol.

I guess a beer and a shot was an underestimated statement. In fact, I was consuming 10 beers a night followed by 10 shots of hard liquor.

As he explained to me about the dosage and how to take it, I went ahead and tried Kratom for the 1st time.

I am a chronic pain patient and kratom helps me to live a normal life. With out kratom I would be on a high dose of pain killers and unable to function or just living in constant pain. I'm currently in medical school and doing well thanks to kratom. You would be limiting people and or trying to make money off of something that needs to be easily accessible for the good of people. Simply apply sales taxes as is normal at all kratom stores and for all other herbal supplements. Kratom is no different, just because it treats pain doesn't mean you need to be applying fear and trying to control something that genuinely helps people and is safe. It would be a real wrong doing if you were to make these unessary changes just for your own good. Think about putting the people first and allowing us the God given right to medicine HE PUT HERE FOR US. I could understand if it were actually deadly or physically addicting but that's just not the case. I have been using kratom for years and have been able to easily get off of it when not needed. Stop seeding lies and working against the people you are supposed to work for, the American people deserve this.

My father died of a pharmaceutical overdose from medicines that his doctors prescribed him. He died with 3 different opiates in his system, all from his doctors. If he had found kratom, he would still be alive. How do I know? Because me, and my two brothers have all gotten clean and sober from opiates and alcohol because of kratom. We had that as an option, and we took it. Please do not ban people from having access to this plant, do not further regulate this plant into obscurity, please leave the KCPA as is. If you pass these regulations, you'll remove people's access to safe and effective pain management through the different alkaloids

My life has changed in part due to the advent of Kratom here in the United States. For my entire life I have struggled with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, trying medications that became addictive and resulting in an endless pit of trial and error - finding myself always needing more and more. Kratom works effectively without creating a vicious cycle of requiring more and more just to feel "normal". In fact, Kratom works most effectively at the lowest possible dose - meaning that a person using Kratom gains the most effect by consciously limiting their dosage and frequency.

We have to be honest about the fact that psychoactive pharmaceuticals themselves have, at least in part, created this widespread disease of despair. That's in addition to the despair incurred by life in general, and my generation is experiencing life in hard mode. This is the hardship that was created by the very legislators who now seek to ban many people's refuge, nay, their MEDICINE. We were fed poison and are being kept from the antidote. Now, that is not to say that everyone and anyone could or should take Kratom, or that it is a cure-all drug. It is not. But for many, it is the very hand that pulled them from despair. Now, I also feel the hand of God gripping mine, and I believe the freedom that Kratom gives to many also creates space in their life for faith to then lie in.

You will not find Kratom users turning to a harder drug - you WILL, however, find many like myself whose neurochemistry has been assaulted by pharmaceuticals and an unjust world. We turned to Kratom for relief and focus. Kratom users are taking it before the gym, at a Kratom bar, to study before an important test, before they lay down so they may rest without excruciation. They are not taking it and finding themselves on skidrow.

Kratom teaches many who are struggling with substance abuse that the key to their well-being is not taking more of a drug, it is the peace one experiences when their life is finally in balance. When their "hunger" is sated by a natural and effective alternative, people lack an excuse to continue their self-destructive behavior. Kratom is giving many their lives back, and while, with any substance, there is always the potential for abuse, Kratom is unique since it does not reward overuse with euphoria. The outcome of taking too much is a bout of nausea that lasts around an hour. No lasting side effects or negative outcomes. Can you say the same about all of your prescription medications?

If Kratom products are banned, this will create a "power vacuum" in which those who are still on their journey to sobriety (from dangerous, narcotic substances) will be left with no alternative path. They will become blinded again to the beauty of this world. They will quickly return to their old habits, needing more and more (and doing ANYTHING to get more) and live out a life of servitude not to God, family, and duty, but rather a drug. Help save these people in part by granting them vision to see that their life is worth living

As a Cancer patient I was addicted to opiates prescribed by Doctors.

I tried programs approved by the F.D.A. Like Buprenorphine only to become addicted to Buprenorphine.

I believe Kratom saved my life from certain death from continuing use of Opioids .

The only reason to restrict Kratom would be to promote the continued use of opioids

"I am a former CNA. I was injured on the job while trying to catch a falling resident. I tore my meniscus. I also have fibromyalgia, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. I've been using kratom for 5 years now to manage my medical issues. It's been, quite literally, life changing - I can actually do so many things I couldn't manage before. I still have bad days, but kratom has made it possible to still care for my family and manage the tasks I need to do every day. Please consider signing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Please don't just take it away from folks who need it.”

"I used kratom in high school but stopped when I joined the military. While serving, I injured my back severely and was unable to walk for several months. The healthcare I received did little to alleviate my pain or improve my condition. Once I had recovered enough to walk with a cane, I decided to start using kratom again and began brewing tea at home. It took a lot of strength and determination to go through the process—often, I had to sit in a chair in front of the stove to prepare it. However, it was worth it; kratom significantly relieved my pain, enabling me to participate in physical therapy exercises that ultimately aided my recovery. As I write this, I am about 75% of what I was before the injury and no longer require a cane to walk, although I still experience chronic pain. Managing this pain with kratom has drastically improved my quality of life. It’s empowering to know I can control my pain without relying on narcotics, and it gives me hope that one day I’ll return to a state of living freely. After serving six years in the military, I’ve opened my own kava bar, "Nocturne Teas," in Palm Bay, Florida. We serve both kava and kratom products, and many of our customers share similar stories to mine. It brings me joy to know that I can help my community."

"My journey to Kratom began with the VA removing my pain management medication in the early 2010s. I searched for a natural or herbal alternate that would help with my pain and have the side benefit of enhancing my energies as I approach each day. Kratom has provided both those benefits. Importantly I have only procured Kratom from known trusted sources as I understand contaminants and cutting agents. Please keep Kratom legal and safe."

"I use kratom to help me focus in my job. It keeps me laser focused. I also take it to help me be positive. It gives me a sense of well-being. My husband has cancer, I take care of my 93 year old parents and I work full time. I am grateful for kratom."

"Kratom has allowed me to be a normal, productive member of society. Banning Kratom would result in an overall unsafe environment for those of us who have been helped by this plant."

"I have suffered from severe depression for decades. I've been taking kratom for 3 years now and it completely takes away the depressive feelings. Now I take kratom about every 6 or 7 hours, but it has NEVER NOT WORKED. I can help other people now like I used to. Please don't make this leaf illegal. I have tried probably a dozen different antidepressants in my lifetime. Some of them work for a very short period of time but then horrible side effects and they no longer work. None of that with kratom. It is God sent!"

"This plant gave me my life back. I’ve been able to stop multiple life long prescriptions."

"Kratom is a natural, safe and beneficial plant that has been used for hundreds of years. It has helped thousands of people who struggle with chronic pain, addiction and even mental health. I started using kratom almost 8 years ago and it had the unintended consequence of giving me an aversion to alcohol. I no longer drink and feel so much better overall. I don't consume as much caffeine as I used to, don't eat as many sugary foods and I attribute all of it to kratom. I am so grateful for this truly miraculous plant and it should be available to everyone who is of age. Of all the substances that are readily available - tobacco, alcohol and even prescription opiates, it is not only the safest but most beneficial without a doubt!"

"Kratom is incredibly beneficial to many people all over the world. It helps me deal with pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It's helped people with addictions, myself included. I used to use alcohol to deal with my problems. Now I use this natural plant, and it's way way better for me. My health has improved. There's no addiction, no hangover, no withdrawals, and using it isn't like being drunk or high, it's just a sense of peacefulness, happiness, and ease due to pain relief. How can you justify banning such a beneficial, completely natural remedy, and leave many people bereft of the only thing that helps them get through the day? The alternative for many people who use it for pain relief is opiates, which are highly addictive and highly dangerous if used incorrectly. It's worked wonders for me and my mental health issues. I've been on and off various meds since my teen years and nothing ever worked without having some crazy side effect that hugely outweighed any benefit. Kratom isn't like that. There's virtually no side effects. This plant has changed my life for the better, and I would be devastated to have to live without it. Please consider that if kratom is banned, people would turn to drugs, alcohol, or obtaining kratom illegally. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope from the bottom of my heart you will make the right decision, to not ban a leaf."

I have been using kratom since January 2017. Kratom assisted me with removing addiction to pain killers due to chronic pain and fibromyalgia. I am 41 and move like I am 20 now. It’s non addicting and a natural alternative to pain. It’s my body my choice. I am healthier and finally have my life back after years of bedridden pain and chronic illness. I am finally healing after years of drs. We need to always have a right to choose.

"I started drinking kratom more than a year ago, it helped me stop taking adderall and gives me clean energy for my days. I have also discovered a wonderful community of people and friends through our shared love of kratom."

"For years I have suffered from chronic back pain which has grossly affected most of my life, from sleep, to sex, to travel, to enjoying myself. I’ve tried every pain medication a doctor will prescribe to me short of opiate pain killers. Kratom is the only thing that has helped me manage my chronic pain to a level where I’ve claimed my life back and can live it with much less pain than I have in the past."

"70 year old great grandmother who takes pure lab tested kratom powder to help manage my pain from advanced osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, degenerative joint disease, Chiari malformation and 3 herniated disc's in my neck. 2 servings of 4 grams each day. Lowers my pain level to a 3-4, down from constant 8-9. Pure lab tested kratom is safe when consumed RESPONSIBLY. Keep kratom legal"

“I didn’t know Kratom existed until I tried it at my local Kava store and honestly, it was life changing. I used to drink a lot of alcohol and after drinking kratom, I started to notice that I slowly stopped drinking alcohol. It helped me cut the craving for it. It even helped me with focus on my work and homework when I had it. It helped me become more social and aware. Idk how I’d be if it wasn’t for Kratom. Probably being drunk out somewhere."

"25 Victor Army veteran been using kratom 6 yrs now. Only thing that ever worked to control anxiety and pain"

"I am 6 1/2 years alcohol free because of this wonderful plant called kratom. It saved my life from alcohol addiction/abuse! Please don’t make this life saving plant illegal! Thank you."

"I have suffered with severe anxiety for years, all of my adult life, from 20-31 I was prescribed a large amount of klonopin (a very dangerous benzodiazepine) not meant for long term use. I became severely addicted to it. It ruled my life. I lost all inhibitions, I lost any chance at a career, I made extremely poor choices, I basically lost myself in an attempt to stave off a natural emotion that I now know is normal to feel. I made extremely poor and dangerous decisions because of my inability to feel fear because of the prescription medication I was on. Many other people could see it, I hurt my family, loved ones and I hurt myself. I became jobless and destitute. I continued to use benzodiazepines despite how they were killing me. I was addicted. The only reason I am here today is by the grace of GOD! One night when I was out on a benzo bender, the police were called on me because of my unusual erratic behavior. I am so fortunate and thankful I never physically hurt anyone else. I was arrested and charged with a DUI (driving under the influence of a drug.) I was out of my mind. I went to jail for 20 days (you don’t get your prescription medication in there…) I suffered with extreme physical withdrawals. I was unable to function for months, and the precipitated withdrawal lasted for years. I quite literally lost myself because of benzodiazepines. How this relates to Kratom? I discovered Kratom through pretty extensive internet research because I knew I couldn't allow myself to go back on that medication again, it almost killed me, and would surely finish the job had I gone back. Over a year later I had ordered some Kratom online (I also experimented with kava.) It took me some tries to find the right dose and the right strain for my needs, but once I did, it completely changed my life. My anxiety has dulled, I am able to function better, and I was able to get my life and health back on track. It’s nothing short of a miracle supplement for me. Without it I don’t know where I would be, or what I would do. I’m able to function like a normal human! Words can’t describe my gratitude for Kratom. It really works, and for more reasons than just anxious people. That’s my Kratom experience. It totally changed my life, and I know it could continue to help other people as well."