Although kratom has been a staple of traditional medicine and culture in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years, it’s only recently entered the zeitgeist in the United States. Government officials are always resistant to new things and, in particular, have a history of skepticism towards Eastern medicine.
At Mitra Bros, our team is dedicated to providing premium-quality, fresh, all-natural kratom to our customers. We want to make sure that people across the country continue to have access to safe, effective kratom products. If you are a kratom enthusiast and you want to help ensure the future of kratom in the U.S., it’s time to get involved!
Continue reading for a few tips on how you can join the kratom fight. Feel free to reach out to us directly if you have any questions about kratom advocacy, our kratom products, or the industry in general.
Kratom’s Legal Status in the U.S.
As of now, the federal government has virtually no rules or regulations about kratom. The FDA has restrictions on how kratom can be marketed–it’s not an approved medicine or dietary supplement–but there are no limitations on sale.
Kratom is currently legal in 44 out of 50 states. In the six states where kratom is currently banned, legislation is moving in both directions. Vermont officials agreed to remove kratom from the drug schedule listing, and are working to implement effective kratom regulations. Other states like Alabama are more resistant to any kind of kratom legalization.
In many states where kratom is legal, kratom’s status is not necessarily secure. Some organizations are fighting to ban kratom, especially in more conservative areas. In other states, kratom advocacy groups are working to implement common-sense kratom regulations to promote the availability of high-quality, safe kratom products for everyone.
Whatever state you live in, there’s work to be done.
Who is Leading the Fight for Kratom Rights?
The biggest kratom advocacy organization in the U.S. is the American Kratom Association. The AKA is “dedicated to protecting the rights of all Americans to legally consume safe kratom to better manage their overall health and well-being.” One of the AKA’s key initiatives has been to draft a model Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which many states have already adopted.
The AKA has a number of advocacy initiatives. Their Good Manufacturing Program sets standards for kratom manufacturing and sale. They have a program dedicated to Truth in Labeling, working to ensure kratom products are labeled accurately and legally. They’ve also organized a group known as the American Kratom Protectors, a grassroots organization dedicated to fighting state bans, educating the public about kratom, and passing common-sense kratom legislation.
If you’re looking to get involved with kratom advocacy at the state or national level, the AKA’s Project Kratom is a great place to start. They have an extensive list of advocacy partners broken down by state, groups that can only thrive if people like you join the fight!
How Can You Get Involved With Kratom Advocacy?
The first step in kratom advocacy is educating yourself. We’re happy to help you start that process. We update our kratom blog with kratom information, tips, and tricks, as well as developing news about the kratom industry. Speciosa.org and Kratom.org are also excellent sources of information about kratom and new developments in the world of kratom.
You can reach out to the AKA to learn about their advocacy groups or sign up to join their efforts. There are also a number of steps you can take to advocate for kratom at the state, local, or even college level. Some steps you can take to get started at whatever level you feel comfortable include:
- Form or join a group. If you’re in college, you can start groups at your campus or university with help from faculty advisers. If you’re out of school, you can start or join a community awareness group in your area to work on kratom advocacy efforts.
- Raise awareness. Organize events or social media campaigns to promote education about kratom and get more people involved in the fight. Content like infographics and videos can help people understand what kratom is, how it works, and what’s at stake with kratom regulation in your area.
- Engage with your community. Attend local government meetings or community forums to discuss kratom and its impact.
- Volunteering and fundraising. Look for existing kratom advocacy groups in your area, including those already partnering with the AKA. If you have the bandwidth, offer to volunteer your time to help promote their efforts. If you have the means, you can donate to Project Kratom or other groups that advocate for kratom.
- Advocate for policy change. Even if you aren’t ready to join a group like the AKA, you can take steps to advocate for common-sense kratom policies. If you’re in an area where kratom is prohibited or where there’s no kratom regulation, you can write to your state or federal representatives, start petitions using Change.org and other forums, or find other ways to make your voice heard.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you follow common-sense guidelines. Be respectful to your friends and neighbors, and avoid being combative or overly confrontational. Get your information from reliable sources, keeping yourself informed and maintaining your credibility.
Perhaps most importantly, stay positive! Focus on the benefits of kratom and keep your sights on the end game.
Fight For Your Kratom Rights With the Mitra Bros
Mitra Bros is dedicated to providing high-quality, safe, fresh kratom to our customers. We strive to meet the AKA’s standards and we’re all in favor of common-sense kratom legislation and education. Follow our blog for updates on the kratom industry, plus tips and tricks to get the most out of your kratom experience.
For best-in-class kratom products, head over to our online shop.
