"I have been taking Kratom daily for a couple of reasons. One, I am getting older and moderate to strenuous physical (yardwork and so forth) activity takes its toll on me more and more. A dose of a "fast" Kratom gives me an energy and outlook boost early in the day. Additionally, Kratom reduces aches and pains to a manageable level so I can avoid too much acetaminophen. I am also a recovering alcoholic and the ache relief and relaxation effect from certain strains goes a long way toward keeping me from picking up a drink and wrecking my 19 years of sobriety. Occasionally I am prescribed opiates for a major health event with a great deal of associated pain. With Kratom I can greatly reduce the needed dosage or even skip the opiate during the day, and use only at night for better sleep. Even after 10 years of continuous usage I do not experience any ill effects from my Kratom dosages. I rotate strains regularly to keep from building too much tolerance to the effects. Scheduling Kratom would remove my alternative to opiates and alcohol. The only threat I see in Kratom is to Big Pharma profit margins."

"8 back surgeries from 18-46yrs. Was on pain meds most my life. I was actually denied service in the Navy due to my back. Drinking was a go to. Last year I figured I'd try kratom. Kratom has helped immensely with pain and energy. It also got me to stop drinking without trying to. Please make kratom available for everyone!"

"Keeping Kratom safe is important to me because I have virtually nothing else for everyday chronic osteoarthritis pains and sciatica symptoms. I am allergic to aspirin and nSAIDs, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen. I don't trust traditional opioid pain medications, because I have a past with alcoholism, and am afraid I would get addicted to pills. I do not feel a danger of addiction with Kratom, as I use it responsibly, and allow several days for a break if I feel it necessary. Kratom helps with so much of my pain, without impairing my judgement or motor skills. I am able to move around and continue moving around, thanks to the reduction of inflammation. I can work a full time job without regretting it and needing 3 days to recover. I believe it is a great alternative to traditional pain medications in general, and an alternative to caffeine, as well."

"Kratom has changed my life for the better. I was taking opiates for rheumatoid arthritis pain and it was impossible. Kratom allows me to live my life pain free without being drugged out. It's safe and accessible. Please keep Kratom safe and available!