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.

Quick recap The group discussed personal health challenges, including Christopher's recent angioplasty surgery and recovery, Twinkle's ongoing health issues and recent move to a new home, and Venus's experiences with chronic pain management. They shared insights about medical treatments, pain management options, and the challenges of accessing appropriate care. The conversation also touched on the rising cost of housing and the importance of family living spaces. The conversation ended with plans to meet again on Saturday for the Kratom Gals event. Summary Christopher's Angioplasty and Recovery Christopher shared that he recently underwent a lengthy and painful angioplasty procedure, which revealed multiple blocked areas in his arteries, and he is scheduled for another procedure on his left leg in January or February. He described the procedure as particularly traumatic, with the surgeon working for over three hours to clear blockages. The group discussed medical advancements, including potential nanobot technology for cleaning plaques from arteries, which Christopher learned about through his wife's research. Vascular Issues and Childhood Braces Christopher shared his experience with severe vascular issues, which he attributes partly to genetic factors and a history of knee immobilizers as a child. He discussed his upcoming surgery to place stents in his legs, with the doctor noting that the blockages are unusually located behind the knees, potentially due to the knee braces he wore frequently. Twinkle and Venus listened to Christopher's story, expressing empathy and acknowledging the possible connection between childhood knee braces and his current health issues. Kratom and Pain Management Discussion Christopher and Twinkle discussed their experiences with medical treatments and legal issues related to kratom. Twinkle mentioned moving to a new county and selling her house due to a ceiling collapse, which resulted in a financial gain despite the initial costs. They also talked about Twinkle's husband's medical condition, where he was experiencing severe pain but was only allowed to take Tylenol, leading to concerns about proper pain management practices.

Quick recap The meeting focused on the challenges and advocacy efforts surrounding kratom, particularly the issues with 7-OH and other extracts in the market. Christopher shared his experiences with educating the public and policymakers about the differences between natural kratom powder and synthetic extracts, emphasizing the need for regulation and proper labeling. Participants discussed the decline of traditional kratom powder in stores, the rise of extracts, and the impact on farmers in Indonesia. Venus and Twinkle expressed concerns about the lack of differentiation between products and the potential for stricter regulations. The group also touched on personal experiences with kratom and its effectiveness for pain management. The conversation highlighted the ongoing efforts to educate and advocate for responsible kratom use while addressing the challenges posed by the evolving market and regulatory landscape. Summary Kratom Education and Misconceptions Christopher discussed the challenges of educating people about natural kratom, particularly its form as a tea, and the misconceptions surrounding it. He shared his experience with a woman from Tewksbury who was conducting a presentation and expressed his intention to provide her with documentation and further education. Christopher emphasized that kratom, when used responsibly, is not habit-forming and can be an effective pain management tool. He also noted the difficulty of convincing people to try kratom for themselves, despite its minimal risk of side effects when used correctly. Kratom Availability and Advocacy Challenges Christopher discussed the decline of kratom powder availability in smoke shops, attributing it to the popularity of 70H products and limited space for inventory. Venus and Paul agreed that the DEA's upcoming regulations might address some concerns, though Christopher expressed frustration about the ongoing stigma and lack of public awareness about kratom's benefits. The group acknowledged challenges in organizing advocacy efforts and encouraging people to share their stories, with Christopher noting that even simple incentives like discounts were met with hesitation due to fear.

Quick recap The meeting focused on upcoming regulatory hearings and discussions about the challenges facing the kratom industry, including challenges with proper labeling, product quality, and competition from synthetic alternatives. The group shared personal experiences with kratom use and dosing, while discussing the need for clearer regulations and the potential impact of upcoming hemp regulations. They also explored various natural products and their effectiveness, including CBD and kratom tinctures, while emphasizing the importance of advocacy and public relations efforts to combat kratom bans. Summary CJ's Law Hearing Attendance Christopher informed Venus about a hearing for CJ's Law scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. in Trenton, which will not allow for remote participation or comments. He plans to attend and testify, and Venus expressed her intention to join him, pending confirmation of transportation. Christopher mentioned that Dr. Heidi and others would also be present, and Venus agreed to confirm her attendance after checking with Eddie. Kratom Industry Regulatory Challenges Christopher and Venus discussed their experiences with regulatory hearings and the challenges they face in the kratom industry. They expressed frustration with the current state of the industry, where companies that properly label and package their products are not getting the recognition they deserve. Christopher mentioned he needs to prepare for an upcoming hearing in New Jersey and is seeking advice on what to present. They also talked about the lack of support for smaller, ethical companies in the industry compared to larger, less transparent ones. Kratom Customer Inquiries and Legal Challenges Christopher and Venus discussed the challenges of managing customer inquiries about Kratom products, including calls questioning product strength and comparisons to competitors. They considered organizing a segment with Holly and Emily to share the most unusual customer inquiries over the years. Paul joined later, and the conversation shifted to a legal case involving a young man who died, with underlying health conditions and multiple drugs found in his system. Christopher expressed frustration that Kratom was being unfairly blamed for the death, despite the presence of other substances and health issues.