Why These Are Not the Same Thing There is growing confusion around kratom because some people claim that since mitragynine can convert into 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) in the human liver, natural kratom is “basically the same” as commercial 7-OH products. That claim is scientifically incorrect. Here is the clear, factual difference. 1. Mitragynine and 7-OH Are Not Equivalent in the Body Natural kratom leaf contains mitragynine as its primary alkaloid. When consumed orally, a very small fraction of mitragynine is metabolized in the liver into 7-hydroxymitragynine. - This conversion is trace-level - It represents well under 1% of the mitragynine consumed - Most estimates place it around 0.01%–0.1% In practical terms, this means the body produces micrograms, not milligrams, of 7-OH. Commercial 7-OH products deliver milligram-level doses directly, bypassing the body’s natural metabolic limits. 2. The Liver Is a Limiting System, Not a Production Factory The human liver does not efficiently convert mitragynine into 7-OH. - 7-OH is a minor metabolic byproduct, not a primary outcome - Most mitragynine is converted into other metabolites, not 7-OH - First-pass metabolism naturally caps exposure This is a built-in biological safeguard. Commercial 7-OH products remove that safeguard entirely. 3. Potency Does Not Equal Exposure Yes, 7-OH is more potent per milligram than mitragynine. That fact is often misused. What matters is how much actually reaches the bloodstream. Natural kratom: - Slow oral absorption - Low peak concentrations - Mixed alkaloid profile - Trace endogenous 7-OH formation Commercial 7-OH products: - High potency - High concentration - Rapid spikes - No alkaloid balance - No metabolic ceiling These are fundamentally different pharmacological profiles. 4. A Simple Real-World Comparison A typical serving of plain-leaf kratom may contain 30–50 mg of mitragynine Endogenous 7-OH formation from that amount is measured in micrograms A single commercial 7-OH tablet may contain 10–20 mg of isolated 7-OH

Check out the following page and take a look at all of the current kratom bills filed. https://legiscan.com/gaits/search?state=ALL&keyword=Kratom

I just wanted to post an update. I will be having vascular surgery on my right leg tomorrow. I've cut back on my kratom over the past week and am ready to go. I won't be taking my morning serving of kratom powder, but I am taking small amounts today. From everything I've gathered, as long as I abstain from any kratom for about 12-18 hours before surgery, I will be fine. I will let you know how this theory plays out.:) For people dealing with chronic pain, going days without any relief is just not going to happen, plain and simple. I will keep everyone posted! This is the first of a few surgeries I'll be having this year. My left leg in February. I want us all to learn and understand kratom and anesthesia better. If anyone is interested in the details, I uploaded my diagnosis and notes into ChatGPT for more explanation. https://chatgpt.com/share/6942fe51-3950-8010-add1-25ed120bb22b

Quick recap The meeting focused on the challenges and strategies surrounding Kratom advocacy, including the need for coordinated efforts among various organizations to combat misinformation and regulatory threats. Participants discussed the overwhelming number of Kratom-related bills across states and the importance of unifying advocacy groups to present a unified front. They emphasized the necessity of educating the public and policymakers about Kratom's safety and benefits, while addressing concerns about 7-OH products and the industry's marketing practices. The group also highlighted the need for clear communication and shared resources to effectively counter misinformation and support legislative efforts. Summary Kratom Legislation Tracking Update The group discussed the overwhelming number of Kratom-related bills being tracked through Legiscan, with over 130 results across multiple states. Robin expressed concern about bills in states like Montana that aren't listed on Legiscan, while Christopher noted New Jersey has three different types of Kratom legislation. The team, including Twinkle and Venus, acknowledged the growing number of states and localities taking action against Kratom, with Robin emphasizing the need for better coordination of volunteers between organizations like AKA and GKC. Unified Advocacy Strategy Discussion The group discussed challenges with coordinating advocacy efforts across different organizations and the need for a unified approach. Twinkle expressed a desire for a "one-stop shop" to streamline information sharing and volunteer coordination. Christopher suggested dividing responsibilities among organizations, with AKA focusing on lobbying and other groups handling social media and advocacy outreach. Robin emphasized the importance of having enough boots on the ground to effectively address the issue, referencing past successful campaigns. The group also discussed the need to overcome fear and stigma surrounding kratom and the importance of sharing comprehensive information about the situation.

Quick recap The meeting focused on the challenges and strategies surrounding kratom advocacy, regulation, and education. Participants discussed the decline in grassroots advocacy since 2016 and emphasized the need to re-engage volunteers and tell personal stories to support kratom's safety and benefits. They highlighted the importance of unity among advocacy groups, proper regulation, and the need for the FDA to recognize traditional kratom as safe. Christopher shared his experiences as a vendor committed to quality and transparency, while others discussed the challenges of state-specific regulations and the need for consistent messaging. The conversation also touched on the role of social media in shaping public perception and the potential for collaboration with other organizations to strengthen advocacy efforts. Summary Advocacy Updates and Recovery Christopher discussed his recovery from recent surgery, noting ongoing swelling and a follow-up appointment on the 20th. The group talked about Philadelphia's absence due to negative press and band issues, with Christopher expressing hope that Philadelphia would rejoin advocacy efforts when ready. Robin suggested that states are taking action because the feds haven't been effective, and Christopher mentioned the FDA's recent recognition of CAVA as generally recognized as safe when prepared traditionally. Kratom Advocacy and Volunteer Engagement The group discussed the potential for Kratom to be recognized as traditionally prepared, similar to Kava, which could help its safety profile. They noted a decline in grassroots advocacy since 2017 and agreed that re-engaging volunteers is crucial for future success. The conversation highlighted the need for local and national engagement to build a volunteer base and gather support for Kratom, with a specific focus on the current 30-day comment period for Ohio regulations. Kratom Legal Status Challenges The group discussed the challenges of Kratom's legal status across different states, with Connecticut recently banning it and making it Schedule 1. Christopher shared an anecdote about a conversation with Arkansas legislators at a National Conference of State Legislators event, which led to some discussions about Kratom in Arkansas. The group emphasized the importance of education and advocacy in changing public perception and laws regarding Kratom, while also expressing frustration with social media platforms that restrict discussions about Kratom despite allowing similar content.