I do not live in Virginia, but this ban would affect me. One of my favorite kratom vendors works out of Virginia, bringing revenue to your state.

I live with chronic pain. I'm 45 years old and with kratom I am the healthiest I have been in my adult life. I have been using kratom for 6 years and my 40s are 1000 times better than my 20s were. With kratom I can not only get out of bed, but I can hike mountains. I can also do the little everyday tasks that allow me to have a life and be a contributing member to society. Kratom is an absolute miracle and godsend.

Banning kratom would be a mistake. It would affect the lives of untold thousands who live in your state who use kratom to better their lives. It is nowhere near as dangerous as the people who proposed the ban would have you believe, and it enhances the lives of millions of people in the USA.

I wake up every day grateful that someone told me about kratom and that I gave it a try. It has only made my life better. It has only improved my ability to function in society and have a full time job. I was able to move out on my own and not be a burden to my family any more. I am completely self reliant and not need any state programs to support my life anymore. I am able to walk 6 miles every day for my physical and mental health. My doctor supports me using kratom and we haven't found any evidence that it has adversely affected my body in the 6 years I have been using it daily.

Please don't take this beneficial plant away from your citizens and from people who would visit your state in the future.

I lived in Ohio when our board of pharmacy was considering a ban and based on public response they decided to drop it. Please consider doing the same.

No one should be forced to live in chronic pain when there are safe alternatives available.

Betsey Ahlstrom

I Am Kratom