This is the basic rundown. There is more detailed information in state specific posts.
Ban Watch - The Short Version
Click on the name of the state for a more detailed post and discussion specific to that state. The all caps state names are links to state-specific reddit posts with detailed information. I apologize - I normally would not give you reddit links but there is a lot of info and the posts are being updated as more info becomes available. I will do my best to also put updates here as well but the more places I put the info separately, the more chances it will be outdated or incomplete as things move along. Unless otherwise indicated, all other links are non-reddit.
OHIO - URGENT - Board of Pharmacy is aggressively pursuing this and there is a public comment period ending April 30.
They are not going through the standard legislative process. Here is the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Guide to Rule-Making Process.
They are required to "justify an adverse impact on the business community" and take input to the "affected public." You do not have to be an Ohio resident to have care and concern for your those who are. You might have family or friends there. You might one day travel to or through.
- 1. Everyone - Submit Your Comment to both email addresses
[email protected]
[email protected]
2. Everyone - Sign the Petition to save kratom in ohio
3. Everyone - Contact Ohio-Based Kratom Vendors
PENNSYLVANIA - Intent to Introduce Legislation
Rep Scott Conklin had a press conference announcing his intention to introduce legislation banning kratom.
Please Note - Nothing has been formally introduced yet. There is no bill number because there is no official bill. So we do have a chance to try to convince him to change from a total Schedule 1 ban to some other form of regulation and he is potentially meeting with the AKA (that's a reddit link to a post by someone who spoke to his office). This is still very concerning because PA is a large and influential state - as is Ohio - and bans there could be used as ammo for bans in other states. But this is going through the standard legislative process so even if a bill were to be introduced, there is still a long road with multiple chances to oppose and fight along the way. The legislative steps are outlined in that PA reddit post.
- 1. Everyone - Sign the Petition
2. Everyone - Contact the Bill Sponsor Rep. Scott Conklin (D) - 77th District.
3. PA Residents - Contact Your State Rep
Representatives at the state level are often very accessible and willing to listen to you. /u/Juicemoneyrecords
spoke with their PA House Rep (reddit post) who gave assurances that there would be a long way to go before something were to become law and said the best thing you can do is CONTACT YOUR OWN STATE REP!
LOUISIANA has already introduced a bill in the House.
LA HB452 would add mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine to their Schedule 1. AKA has given assurances they have a dedicated team in LA doing everything they can but we need to do our part!
- 1. Everyone - Contact the Bill Sponsor Rep. Christopher Turner (R) - District 12 in support of kratom
2. Everyone - Please leave a comment on the legiscan page
3. LA Residents - Contact Your State Rep
Sad News
Memorial Fund For Kratom Researcher Dr. Bonnie Avery McCurdy, Wife Of Dr. Christopher McCurdy
Many of you are familiar with Dr. Christopher McCurdy and the great work that he is doing in kratom research. While he is the face we know, his wife, Dr. Bonnie Avery McCurdy, has played an equally valuable role in kratom research.
Her passing is a great loss for her family, friends and colleagues, as well and the entire kratom community. Please, show your support for Dr. McCurdy in this time of sorrow, as well as help support kratom research by giving to her memorial fund.
- "Dr. Bonnie Avery’s contributions to the understanding of kratom simply cannot be overstated. In fact, up to and during her final weeks, Dr. Avery's dedication and commitment to kratom research were essential to furthering our knowledge about kratom. Personally and professionally, Dr. Bonnie Avery will be missed by all.
The University of Florida, where Dr. Avery conducted her research, will accept donations from those in our community who wish to celebrate Dr. Avery’s life and further the studies she was so unfailingly dedicated to."
You can donate via the link below.
Memorial Fund For Kratom Researcher Dr. Bonnie Avery McCurdy, Wife Of Dr. Christopher McCurdy
The Memorial Fund for Dr. Avery goes directly to further Dr. McCurdy’s kratom research.