I respectfully request the Board deny this petition. Scheduling these chemicals would effectively outlaw kratom in the commonwealth, which would harm Virginians. Many people in the Commonwealth exercise use kratom to manage pain, as an alternative to opioids, and as an alternative to alcohol. There is no good evidence that kratom is harmful, but there is very good evidence that opioid use and alcohol use pose substantial risks. Scheduling these substances will put Virginian’s lives at risk. I respectfully request the Board deny this petition.