Kratom is a plant that is more well suited for everyday pain treatment than any opiate or opioid. It contains a number of alkaloids which allow it to limit its own effects therefore severely limiting the potential for abuse when used in its natural whole-leaf form. Removing this inexpensive, significantly safer option for people will result in a massive increase in both prescription and illicit drug consumption across the state of Virginia. This will also unequivocally have a terrible impact on mental health, addiction recovery, and overdose statistics in the years to follow if this petition is passed.