Quick recap
This meeting was a discussion among Christopher, Venus, and Twinkle about the current state of kratom legislation and regulations. Christopher shared his recent experience testifying at a Suffolk County hearing in New York, where he faced challenging questions about kratom extracts and safety concerns. The group discussed the differences between natural kratom leaf and synthetic/semi-synthetic extracts, with Christopher explaining that extracts containing compounds like 7-OH and MGM15 are not derived from natural kratom leaf.
They also talked about the challenges faced by kratom vendors, including expensive registration requirements in certain states and the ongoing battle to educate policymakers about kratom's safety profile. The conversation touched on personal experiences with kratom products and the evolution of regulations over the years.
Meeting Recap
Christopher shared updates about his wife's ongoing back pain and MRI experience, noting she remains in pain despite the procedure. Michelle joined late due to another Zoom meeting and mentioned speaking with Governor Kelly's secretary about recent building issues in Kansas. The conversation concluded with Christopher and Michelle discussing their recent experiences participating in public hearings on kratom regulations, during which Christopher was questioned extensively about safety concerns.
Home Repairs and Kratom Regulations
Christopher checked in with Venus and Twinkle about their well-being, with Venus sharing that she and Eddie are working on house repairs, including installing new windows. Venus expressed gratitude for Eddie's ability to handle the work himself, but noted the lack of financial assistance for home repairs. The conversation shifted to weather conditions and the impact of recent temperature fluctuations on their homes. Christopher and Venus discussed the ongoing challenges with Kratom regulations, agreeing that continued education and advocacy are necessary despite recent developments at the federal level.
Kratom Regulation Challenges Discussion
Christopher and Venus discussed challenges with regulating kratom products, noting that many companies mislabel or counterfeit products, which has been an ongoing issue since at least 2009. Christopher shared his experience at a hearing where he was asked about verifying legitimate kratom companies, but he felt unprepared to provide specific numbers. They also discussed the evolution of kratom regulation, with Christopher explaining how the industry has become more organized over the years, particularly in Indonesia and Thailand, though some producers are currently struggling due to competition from other products.
Kratom Regulation Hearing Update
Christopher discussed a recent marathon hearing in Suffolk on Kratom regulation, in which he participated in the second part, which ran from 2 PM to 7 PM. He noted that the bill was recessed as lawmakers wanted more information about Kratom, and many attendees, including representatives from Nubro and GKC, were present. The hearing saw a significant number of people opposed to the bill, with approximately 60-75% of the room standing in opposition.
Kratom Testimony and Regulations
Christopher discussed his experiences testifying in kratom hearings, noting that many people are pro-leaf but opposed to kratom extracts. He shared his strategy of mentioning early in his testimony that he's a vendor, which seems to prompt more questions from lawmakers about testing and processes. Christopher also explained his preference for high-quality kratom products, including Metro Tonic and purified capsules, which he described as providing steady effects rather than an immediate energy jolt.
Kratom Regulation and Availability Discussion
Christopher discussed the challenges of Kratom availability and regulation, highlighting the inability to advertise or discuss it publicly. He referenced a 5-hour hearing in Suffolk where participants sought to understand Kratom and its potential benefits. The conversation also touched on the debate over where and how Kratom should be sold, with Christopher suggesting its availability in mainstream stores like GNC or Whole Foods. The discussion covered different Kratom compounds and their metabolites, with participants clarifying details about specific chemical components and their sources.
MGM15 Opioid Synthesis Discussion
Christopher explained that MGM15, a semi-synthetic opioid derivative, cannot be commercially produced from kratom leaves due to the high cost and complexity involved. He emphasized that people trying to make it at home would only produce a tiny amount with significant effort, and clarified that natural versions of such compounds do not exist. The discussion highlighted the safety differences between kratom leaf and extracts, with Christopher noting that extracts pose a higher risk of overconsumption compared to regular leaf consumption.
Kratom Products and Dosage Discussion
Christopher and Twinkle discussed kratom serving sizes and products, with Christopher explaining that 5 grams of quality kratom powder can contain roughly 75 milligrams of mitragynine. Twinkle shared her experience with Koi brand gummies, describing how she adjusted the dosage to make them last longer while finding they worked differently for her sister. The conversation concluded with Christopher mentioning plans to work with a supplier named Chris on new products, including black seed kratom oil tincture, though he expressed uncertainty about the future of kratom extracts in the market.
Kratom Regulation Discussion
Christopher and Venus discussed regulations around Kratom products, with Christopher explaining that strict regulations are likely coming, including potential bans on high-strength extracts and mandatory product registration in certain states. Christopher shared that his company needs to pay $2,000 annually just to register for selling in Rhode Island, and some states impose additional fees per product, making it difficult for smaller companies to comply. The discussion also touched on shipping restrictions to banned states and the importance of avoiding illegal shipments to prevent customers from facing legal issues.
Kratom Legal Regulation Challenges
Christopher discussed the challenges faced by Kratom users due to varying legal regulations across different states, particularly highlighting issues with traveling through states that have banned the substance. He expressed concern about the criminalization of Kratom possession and suggested that the plant could be part of the solution for those struggling with addiction and other health issues. Christopher also mentioned the recent reclassification of medical marijuana to Schedule 3 and compared it to the potential future of Kratom regulation.
Kratom Regulation Discussion
Christopher and Twinkle discussed concerns about kratom regulation, expressing worry that natural remedies might be restricted to pharmaceutical access only. Christopher shared his optimism about potential changes in FDA policies, citing recent shifts like restrictions on pharmaceutical ads and updates to the food pyramid.
The conversation also touched on personal experiences with kratom usage and the challenges vendors face in the current regulatory environment.