7d (edited) • Christopher's Tea Talks
Christopher's Tea Talks Episode 23 January 8th 2026
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.
Kratom Advocacy and Marketing Challenges
Christopher discussed the challenges of advertising on Facebook, noting that companies use various tactics to get their ads noticed, though he expressed concern about the effectiveness of these methods. Robin emphasized the importance of engaging advocates to share their positive experiences with kratom, referencing a past campaign that generated over 100,000 positive comments. Angela mentioned having statistics on kratom users, expressing interest in seeing updated data on age demographics, as the current user group is primarily older adults. Christopher highlighted the confusion surrounding synthetic versus natural kratom, noting that some states have banned all kratom without distinguishing between synthetic and natural forms. He also shared his experience with a Massachusetts town official who expressed interest in learning more about natural kratom after attending an anti-kratom presentation.
Kratom Regulation Advocacy Efforts
Christopher discussed the challenges of regulating kratom, emphasizing the need for both state and federal action to provide clarity on guidelines. Robin suggested involving Catherine, an experienced volunteer, to support Christopher's advocacy efforts, and Christopher planned to attend a hearing on the 19th to voice his opinion on kratom regulation. Christopher also shared his commitment to grassroots education and advocacy, mentioning his recent membership in the Natural Products Association and plans to attend their fly-in day in Washington, D.C.
Kratom Advocacy and Education Discussion
Christopher expressed his desire to help the group financially by the end of 2026 and emphasized the importance of educating oneself about Kratom, advocating for natural, unadulterated products, and avoiding abuse of the plant. He questioned whether there is a significant split between the 70H and regular Kratom communities that needs to be addressed. Robin and Angela agreed with Christopher's stance on advocating for natural Kratom and highlighted the dangers of Kratom abuse, with Angela sharing her personal experience of being sensitive to Kratom dosage.
Kratom Education and Engagement
The group discussed personal experiences with kratom usage and recovery, with Christopher sharing details about his recent surgery and medical restrictions due to blood clotting issues. They explored the idea of creating a Kratom Education Center for public consultation, with an open house planned for February 12th. The conversation shifted to challenges in engaging people, with Robin and others noting that many individuals are hesitant to make calls or take action, requiring a return to basic support and hand-holding methods. Angela raised a point about comparing kratom deaths to those caused by Tylenol, highlighting the need for balanced perspectives in discussions about drug safety.
Unified Advocacy and Collaboration Efforts
The group discussed the need for unified messaging and collaboration in advocacy efforts, emphasizing the importance of educating the public responsibly and avoiding infighting. They highlighted the challenges posed by internal divisions and external adversaries, agreeing that attacking grieving parents or other groups is counterproductive. The participants expressed a commitment to working together, putting personal and organizational differences aside to achieve their common mission. They also mentioned plans to develop resources, such as pre-written emails and educational templates, to support volunteers in their advocacy work.
Kratom Ban in Military Context
The group discussed the DoD's complete ban on Alcava and Kratom consumption by military members and employees, noting that many service personnel are unaware of this restriction. They explored the challenges of reversing such government policies and the potential for positive changes in federal regulations regarding natural health products. Christopher shared personal experiences about the decline of bars in his rural area and expressed hope for Kratom's acceptance as a safe and beneficial plant, while Robin mentioned rumors of the FDA taking a more favorable stance on Kratom.
Kratom Quality and Storage Discussion
The group discussed the quality differences between various kratom products, with Christopher emphasizing that not all kratom is created equal and highlighting the decline in quality of some brands due to overprocessing and frequent harvesting. They shared personal experiences storing kratom, with some using mason jars and others leaving it in open bags, noting that improper storage rarely affects the product's effectiveness. Robin shared that her dog, Quizmos, prefers Christopher's kratom over others, while Angela mentioned using CBD for her hyperactive Chihuahuas. The conversation concluded with Christopher expressing a desire to improve collaboration among team members and wondering if he could reach out to Matt Lowe or GKC for support.
Advocacy Collaboration and Volunteer Recognition
The group discussed the importance of collaboration and communication among advocacy organizations, emphasizing the need to value volunteers and work towards common goals. Christopher shared his experiences as a vendor committed to compliance and transparency, expressing frustration with regulations and the lack of recognition for responsible practices. The team agreed on the necessity of unified efforts in advocacy, with plans to share information and support each other in upcoming local and state issues. They also discussed the potential for expanding outreach and education efforts, with a focus on leveraging social media and community engagement.
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Christopher's Tea Talks Episode 23 January 8th 2026
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