Tell the FDA How Kratom Has Worked for You

More than 70,000 people in the United States died from drug overdoses in 2019. In the past five years, almost half a million Americans have died because of drug overdoses. Highly-addictive opioid drugs cause many of those overdoses. Scientific researchers from Johns Hopkins University and other organizations have concluded that kratom may be a helpful tool in the United States. Still, the FDA continues its war against kratom.

For those who believe in the kratom plant, it’s beyond frustrating to see the FDA refuse to follow the science on kratom. Opioid medications are big business in the United States, and some people believe that resistance to kratom may be financially motivated. If that’s the case, it’s disturbing to think that a government organization like the FDA would put the financial well-being of big pharmaceutical companies ahead of United States citizens’ wellbeing.

Luckily, there are organizations like the American Kratom Association (AKA) that are helping amplify the stories of kratom advocates. The AKA has taken a strong stance on behalf of kratom, and its members regularly try to reason with the FDA. Unfortunately, the FDA has been ignoring the American Kratom Association’s request for a meeting for over two years. The FDA doesn’t seem interested in listening to citizens or following the science on kratom, but you can help them come around by sharing your story.

How the American Kratom Association Supports Legal Kratom

The American Kratom Association is working hard to help spread the truth about kratom. For example, they regularly amplify stories from individual kratom advocates as well as scientific researchers. The organization publishes and republishes stories from respected members of the medical community who have spoken out on behalf of natural kratom products. The AKA members include doctors, lawyers, teachers, law enforcement officers, and other kratom advocates.

The organization has stated that it has five primary goals:

1. The AKA wants to encourage both political and private entities to prioritize consumers’ needs when it comes to kratom.
2. The American Kratom Association wants to educate the United States about kratom so they’ll be less likely to fall for false information.
3. The organization uses its platform to amplify the stories of individual kratom advocates like you. When you’re ready to share your story about how kratom has worked in your life, the AKA may help make your voice louder.
4. The American Kratom Association wants to set an example here in the United States to follow our lead when it comes to kratom legalization and regulation.
5. The AKA supports and advocates for sustainable harvesting and reforestation. They think of kratom as a natural resource that should be protected for future generations.

The American Kratom Association Vs. the FDA

Several years ago, the FDA started pressuring the DEA to make kratom illegal in the United States. The DEA announced its intent to start a prohibition against kratom in 2016, but an outpouring of public support helped keep kratom legal. The DEA changed its decision at that time, but they’re still under some pressure from the FDA to make kratom illegal. The AKA opposes the FDA when it comes to kratom, urging them to follow the science and update their opinion.

The American Kratom Organization regularly releases resources like fact sheets to help people separate fact from fiction as it relates to kratom. Throughout the process, the organization has also condemned the FDA for ignoring scientific data and testimonials from people like you. Members of the AKA have repeatedly proven that they aren’t afraid to directly challenge the FDA, especially when they release statements like this:

“The FDA has repeatedly attempted to force kratom into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act by misstating the science, ignoring kratom’s long history of safe use, and falsely claiming kratom has the same effects as classic opioids. The FDA’s distorted record on kratom is a part of the FDA’s long-standing bias against some types of dietary supplements that are safely used by millions of Americans. They’d rather back chemical drug formulations that are subject to new drug applications that have their potential and frequently serious adverse health impacts.”

How Can I Share My Story With the FDA?

When you share your story, avoid making sweeping medical claims unless you’re a qualified medical professional. Keep everything about your personal experience with kratom. Reference scientific studies when applicable, and politely encourage people to follow the science. Beyond providing our online kratom store, we at Laughing Lion Herbs want to support the kratom community as much as possible.

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