A bill banning Kratom has recently passed a New Jersey Assembly committee. However, it is not the harmful substance some think it is.
(The legislation known as “CJ’s Law” would ban. The death of CJ Holowach, who passed after consuming it with other substances, has spurred action. This is a guest post based on a letter that was originally published in the Lakewood Scoop defending Kratom.)
Defending Kratom
I wanted to provide some insights regarding Kratom and clarify what the plant truly is. It is from a tropical evergreen tree that grows naturally in Southeast Asia.
It has been utilized as a traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years by local villagers. The use of Kratom in the United States can be traced back to the early 1970s. Vietnam War veterans introduced it upon their return.
It is used safely by millions of Americans daily, primarily in the form of a tea powder, which is simply ground-up leaves brewed into tea. The leaves are picked, dried for several days, and then ground into a fine powder to be used for tea preparation.
It’s important to note that Kratom is not an opioid and is not classified as such. Recent studies, including an updated 8-factor analysis on Kratom’s addiction potential in 2021, support this understanding. You can find more details about this study.
Additionally, the University of Florida has conducted extensive research on Kratom, which can be accessed.
In February 2024, an international symposium on Kratom was held in Florida. It gathered experts from around the globe to discuss the latest research and developments. More information about this event is available.
Ongoing research by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), with significant funding ($100 Million) allocated to studying Kratom, underscores its potential benefits.
Kratom should be recognized for its positive impact rather than being demonized.
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is at the forefront of advocating for kratom consumer protection. They actively lobby for the implementation of safe manufacturing standards across all kratom products to ensure consumer safety and product integrity. The AKA works to promote responsible usage and regulatory compliance within the kratom industry.
Medicinal Benefits from Consumption
On a personal note, I have been using Kratom since 2015. I am a 49-year-old man, and I have experienced chronic pain since being hit by a car at age 8 in Howell, New Jersey. After being prescribed opiates for over 15 years and experiencing a major heart attack in 2011, I sought natural alternatives. It has significantly improved my quality of life, providing the relief I couldn’t achieve with other medications.
I am a local resident and would be happy to discuss it further in person. I currently reside in Salem County but grew up on Kent Road in Howell (Monmouth County). This is very personal to me, and I am passionate about sharing its benefits and about how my quality of life has improved.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
By Christopher Deaney of Christopher’s Organic Kratom.
