Please, consider the fact that this plant is safe and helping so many people to avoid dangerous opioids. I have been taking it off and on for almost ten years. There are no side effects, other than the fact that I must drink water to stay hydrated, because it is a powder.  I can take this for a month straight, stop for a month and go back to taking it without withdrawals or issues of any kind. Making this plant illegal would put me back on both Norco and Xanax....which I DON'T WANT! Before you make any ruling, please try taking kratom, at least, so that you are able to to make a personal decision and listen to all of the people standing up for this plant...many of whom were once addicts and now sober, due to this beautiful tree!