I have family down in Virginia that I visit once or twice a year. I have been taking kratom for about 15 years now.  It has done so much good in providing an alternative to alcohol (which almost killed me multiple times) and also in providing many benefits for my mental health.  This plant can be miraculous when used responsibly and when used irresponsibly you just get nauseous and maybe vomit.  The benefits vs. consequence ratio of this plant is almost entirely towards the benefit side.  I am among thousands and thousands of people who have used this plant to improve the quality of life.  If it is made illegal then I, and many others, will suddenly become criminals that could face felony drugs charges for something that has already been widely available in this country.  That is not a good outcome for anyone involved, except maybe the prison system and courts when they profit from the misfortune of others... Many states have done this dance before and kratom usually gets left alone.  If you care about the stability and wellbeing of your citizens and tourist visitors then please just let the plant continue to be legal and start doing scientific research on it to actually learn more about it.