Dear sir or madam, 

I had the opportunity to testify at the hearing for LB972 for Stateof Nebraska. .  It was my first time at the Capital.  Thus, i forgot to mention additional thoughts.   

I'm reachies out to Senator Blood. Of most of the Senator's,  i was impressed with her questions and seemed open to making sure she was educated on the subject before making a decision on a Bill.

I began by acknowledging I have bipolar and am i very embarrassed to talk about it do to all the stigma.  I also acknowledge im a user of kratom which has helped my racing thoughts.   I do not use drugs or drink alcohol.   Im highly functioning and successful.  Kratom has helped me immensely.  Thus i believe Kratom has value and should not be dismissed.   I would like to put a natural grown plant in my body rather continuing taking pharmaceutical lab created pills.

What i neglected to mention as a consumer of Kratom.  Im a huge advocate to strict testing, labeling and regulations.   My concern about making kratom a criminal offense.  As a person who is law abiding, this could make me a felon by taking a plant that has changed my life.

Please vote for regulations and not create needless felons. 

Thank you for your time.  

Cory Barnes