Regulating Adulterated Kratom

[kratomwriter]

Hi guys, I've been lurking for a while, but this is my first real post. My question is in regard to the AKA's push to regulate kratom for it being "adulterated." Many of you have addressed this issue, stating that few kratom products have been documented as being adulterated and that it would be unlikely (and not economical) for a vendor to adulterate kratom with other substances or with significantly heightened levels of 7-OH. I have been thinking about this for a long time because the issue is complicated.

Since 7-hydroxymitragynine isn't present in the wild kratom leaf, its presence is entirely a result of post-harvest process methods. There are several theories (which McCurdy and the University of Florida researchers have brushed upon) as to how this alkaloid is enhanced, including the leading thought that it involves sunlight and potentially oxidation. I mean, you can even see people trying to "potentiate" kratom by oxidizing mitragynine into 7-OH on Reddit.

Research indicates that 7-OH is prone to abuse, whereas mitragynine has been found to be not addictive (although not every individual is prone to addiction to 7-OH, or even addiction to opioids). So the AKA's fear of kratom being "adulterated" with 7-hydroxymitragynine seems sound—I mean kratom is always attacked for being "addictive" and these attacks contribute to the argument to ban it. Nevertheless, 7-OH is present in higher amounts in kratom shots and concentrates sold by AKA-approved vendors. However, the difference is that consumers can expect kratom shots to be more potent (and potentially addictive, thus they can know to avoid them if they are prone to addiction) whereas powdered kratom is expected to be less strong (although not all of it contains weak amounts of 7-OH; some vendors have bragged about processing their kratom in ways that increase this alkaloid).

Shouldn't we support the AKA in preventing 7-OH adulterated products from entering the market if it is the alkaloid that is responsible for addiction, but not pain relief? Or rather than banning certain levels of 7-OH, should we make it so that vendors have to lab test for this alkaloid and include on their label what percentage it contains? Or would this be too expensive for otherwise good vendors who don't have the funds?

I'm sure a lot of small-batch vendors would succeed in passing lab tests for 7-OH levels (especially since it has been theorized that 7-OH increases in aged kratom, which oxidizes over time; small-batch vendors generally have fresher kratom), but the question is, could they afford to test for it?

[BundyMcDiggyDoodles]

One problem I see is with regulation there comes another cost. Usually it is not a small cost that in itself could make a good amount of small batch vendors to not exist. Just my opinion. I am sure some could still thrive but in turn could also make cost go up amongst other variables I am not aware of.

[kratomwriter]

Oh of course—that's the main problem people have with the KCPA. I don't like it either. But regulation in a capitalist system is bound to carry disadvantages for small businesses. At least with the AKA, it's somewhat feasible for small vendors to make it. Many alternatives to their outline for regulation would be even more expensive. Just like voting, the KCPA might be the least bad of all our feasible options at this time.

The danger we face is that vetoing the KCPA to hell will open up a radically different form of regulation, such as a drug. If kratom is regulated as a drug, it won't be vendors who are selling it. If you want to talk about anti-competitive, talk about Big Pharma. The other option to "make kratom safer" is by modifying its alkaloids (removing 7-OH and any other controversial ones...I think even Mccurdy has mentioned this) via process methods that could be even more expensive for small vendors than GMP.

The AKA's methods are designed to fight the FDA head-on. Who could replace them who wouldn't get walked all over? Keeping kratom legal, and regulating it, entail negotiating with politicians, many of whom are motivated by ego and money. The AKA meets with them, they know how to play the game. I mean, without them, all the kratom community could do would be to band together 100% and maybe have a massive protest/riot, in which case some other political entity or powerful individual is going to have to take us under their wing to get any of our desired changes passed.

The same reason people hate the KCP is the same problem that exists in capitalism. Are we gonna have a revolution about it, or try to focus on getting the truth out about kratom so that legislators will stop attacking it. Without the AKA, kratom could be banned in multiple states. Depriving people of kratom is worse than seeing a larger kratom business take over a little one. Besides, even the big kratom vendors are often run by a bunch of people who might've been working in restaurants, gas stations, or car washes if it weren't for their personal passion for kratom and desire to start a company. A lot of them were working-class who began just like the small batch vendors did. Some of them are with the AKA primarily because they believe in their cause. Should they be demonized or compared to monopolizers?

Some of these big companies keep samples and lab tests for years to protect themselves from the FDA. You can say what you want about their quality, but this is a good practice. Furthermore, a lot of them have huge expenses and loans to pay off. Even though they might make over a million in a year, it doesn't go as far as you think, especially if they pay their employees well.

Increasing transparency in the market, however, is important. The misinformed marketing tactics and made-up strains need to go, but we should all support each other to make these changes instead of hating on people for doing it—some of them need to be educated on kratom themselves.

[Fhietra899]

Oh of course—that's the main problem people have with the KCPA. I don't like it either. But regulation in a capitalist system is bound to carry disadvantages for small businesses. At least with the AKA, it's somewhat feasible for small vendors to make it. Many alternatives to their outline for regulation would be even more expensive. Just like voting, the KCPA might be the least bad of all our feasible options at this time.

The danger we face is that vetoing the KCPA to hell will open up a radically different form of regulation, such as a drug. If kratom is regulated as a drug, it won't be vendors who are selling it. If you want to talk about anti-competitive, talk about Big Pharma. The other option to "make kratom safer" is by modifying its alkaloids (removing 7-OH and any other controversial ones...I think even Mccurdy has mentioned this) via process methods that could be even more expensive for small vendors than GMP.

The AKA's methods are designed to fight the FDA head-on. Who could replace them who wouldn't get walked all over? Keeping kratom legal, and regulating it, entail negotiating with politicians, many of whom are motivated by ego and money. The AKA meets with them, they know how to play the game. I mean, without them, all the kratom community could do would be to band together 100% and maybe have a massive protest/riot, in which case some other political entity or powerful individual is going to have to take us under their wing to get any of our desired changes passed.

The same reason people hate the KCP is the same problem that exists in capitalism. Are we gonna have a revolution about it, or try to focus on getting the truth out about kratom so that legislators will stop attacking it. Without the AKA, kratom could be banned in multiple states. Depriving people of kratom is worse than seeing a larger kratom business take over a little one. Besides, even the big kratom vendors are often run by a bunch of people who might've been working in restaurants, gas stations, or car washes if it weren't for their personal passion for kratom and desire to start a company. A lot of them were working-class who began just like the small batch vendors did. Some of them are with the AKA primarily because they believe in their cause. Should they be demonized or compared to monopolizers?

Some of these big companies keep samples and lab tests for years to protect themselves from the FDA. You can say what you want about their quality, but this is a good practice. Furthermore, a lot of them have huge expenses and loans to pay off. Even though they might make over a million in a year, it doesn't go as far as you think, especially if they pay their employees well.

Increasing transparency in the market, however, is important. The misinformed marketing tactics and made-up strains need to go, but we should all support each other to make these changes instead of hating on people for doing it—some of them need to be educated on kratom themselves.

At last someone write it...

I was saw several things that i could said its weird things. AKA said they worried about adulterated kratom in other facts is AKA protecting some big vendors that bought thousand tons kratom and processing kratom to adulterated. Its explained why many cheap bunk kratom sphread in the states, the drug lab processor has processing kratom to adulterated and rejected kratom that has low mit content and contaminant has sphread and sold by really cheap prices to covering the exporter cost.
In other side i'v heard an issue that FDA supporting kratom if its processed in Legal Country (Thailand) and use DOD biotech company in Thailand to processing it.

[BallzDeep9]

Hi guys, I've been lurking for a while, but this is my first real post. My question is in regard to the AKA's push to regulate kratom for it being "adulterated." Many of you have addressed this issue, stating that few kratom products have been documented as being adulterated and that it would be unlikely (and not economical) for a vendor to adulterate kratom with other substances or with significantly heightened levels of 7-OH. I have been thinking about this for a long time because the issue is complicated.

Hey! Great topic Thanks for posting. Welcome to MM. A few of us here, are hoping that MM will continue to grow w/ some deeper discussion of kratom in 2022! - I continue hanging on, since MM is really the best general "Open forum" now - compared to Facebook -all small Groups- and Reddit which is heavily censored.

As Usual, kratom IS complicated due to the money involved - Fake marketing BS, fake "strains", where does kratom really come from? ( Where did your vendor get his kratom from ?), and the whole Online -VS- Retail issue which, seems really important for millions of us, moving forward this year - And, After the fantastic WHO victory with AKA Last year!! - So, where do we go, from here?

TWO responses to your excellent questions - First, the AKA's people going around "Fear mongering" about "Adulterated" - A problem that doesn't exist... Last week's AKA meeting, on Vimeo - Webinar: Protect Kratom in 2022 - featured of course Mac Haddow our highly paid, expert witness, on everything Kratom - and also Utah Senator, Curt Bramble who is deeply involved with AKA and - instrumental in the "Utah Version of KCPA" they are pushing now all across the USA... more on that later. In the Webinar, and elsewhere - Bramble has insinuated that Kratom, IS being or could be, spiked with Fentanyl.

Secondly, I find it VERY interesting that, AKA's Model legislation for the KCPA, the "Utah Version" that requires heavy Big Government regulation - This KCPA, allows for a whopping 2% of 7-Hydroxymitragynine - IN products sold at Retail. Hmmm... what ?? Did I read that correctly - TWO percent ? Raw Kratom good quality powder contains, on average, about 1.5% Mitragynine. The amount of 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, found in same raw natural powder IS = .039%. at most!!! - correct? Usually below that, .025 maybe. Watch that zero there. .025 hundredths of 1 Percent. So doing the Math - AKA is pushing for a Standard of 50 Times the amount of 7-OH ??

Can someone check my Math ?? Why is this going whoosh over everyone's head. Read the recent, proposed KCPA in Florida - 2% for 7-OH in Extracts ??

[acct55]

I think what they mean is that 7-Hydroxymitragynine should not exceed 2% of the total alkaloid content... Not 2% of the product.

For example, if a kratom sample contains 1.5% total alkaloids, and 2% of those alkaloids are 7-Hydroxymitragynine, then the total concentration of 7-Hydroxymitragynine is .03%...

Similarly, if mitragynine makes up 66% of total alkaloids and the total alkaloid content of a sample is 1.5%, then the sample contains .99% (roughly 1%) mitragynine.

That math checks out to me. But yeah, at first I thought that the AKA and others were just being sloppy with the decimal point. But instead I think this is what they mean. Frankly, I think this kind of terminology is unnecessarily confusing. I don't really understand the benefit of explaining the % that way, but that's what I think is meant by 2% 7-Hydroxymitragynine here.

[Herba Rosa]

I'm an extremely small kratom vendor that only sells small batches, and I have always made sure to test everything and make sure those results are verifiable and available.
It wouldn't be that much to ask for all vendors to do the same. Those costs should be built in to the business plan.

That said, I have heard of many vendors enhancing/adulterating their powder by mixing in dry extract.
Meanwhile, they go around telling people that it's pure powder, and everyone goes around thinking it's amazing.
Problem is, when people take powder that's been enhanced with extract without being aware of it, they end up raising their tolerance and addiction.

[Sanbutsushin]

Bramble has insinuated that Kratom, IS being or could be, spiked with Fentanyl.

I love that they focus on kratom as the issue here and would seemingly rather target kratom than actual fentanyl. If there are any cases where this actually happened, they'd be vanishingly small compared to the other 99.5% of kratom everyone else is getting. If you're buying from someone who's putting fent in their kratom, that's on the seller (shady obviously!), not kratom itself. I wonder why this myth gets perpetuated so widely, and by the AKA no less, who are claiming to protect the interests of kratom consumers. Hmm... why might that be... surely doesn't have anything to do with money...

[Sanbutsushin]

That said, I have heard of many vendors enhancing/adulterating their powder by mixing in dry extract.
Meanwhile, they go around telling people that it's pure powder, and everyone goes around thinking it's amazing.
Problem is, when people take powder that's been enhanced with extract without being aware of it, they end up raising their tolerance and addiction.

This is a legitimate concern imo. There have been instances where people think they're getting unique, ultra-potent leaf that isn't "enhanced" in any way, only to be confused about why no other vendor's leaf is hitting for them... their tolerance skyrockets... and they end up saying things like "this is the only vendor whose leaf does anything for me anymore" - well it's no wonder, in the event that a vendor is secretly spiking their powder with extract.

If any powder has been "enhanced" with extract, vendors should be up-front about it. There are plenty of people who would still buy it, or maybe even people who would specifically seek that out for whatever reason. Keeping that info from customers is an unacceptable practice.

[kratomwriter]

Thanks for the welcome and the discussions! While I do think that it's a bit inconsistent to want to restrict 7-OH while also approving extracts, I think it can be improved by setting limits for powdered kratom and requiring extract manufacturers to list what percentage of 7-OH they contain (or how concentrated it is as a whole).

Ideally, there would be an organization for educating consumers on kratom safety and servings. That way people could know what they're walking into when they buy an extract vs. powder. I don't necessarily think that extracts need to be promptly banned, but there should be some sort of regulation in place to prevent vendors from adding a powdered extract (which is reportedly often made with old kratom to reduce waste and cut costs, making the oxidation levels even riskier) to their "regular" kratom powders to make it seem really potent to consumers.

Basically, I think education and transparency are key and the community should be aligned with that. Obviously, the KCPA isn't perfect, but it could be better by prioritizing these things.

[brave777]

I'm an extremely small kratom vendor that only sells small batches, and I have always made sure to test everything and make sure those results are verifiable and available.
It wouldn't be that much to ask for all vendors to do the same. Those costs should be built in to the business plan.

That said, I have heard of many vendors enhancing/adulterating their powder by mixing in dry extract.
Meanwhile, they go around telling people that it's pure powder, and everyone goes around thinking it's amazing.
Problem is, when people take powder that's been enhanced with extract without being aware of it, they end up raising their tolerance and addiction.

If its done right, it in fact can be good extract with kratom batch. Main thing wish everyone would mention that if extract in it, i do think Gaia old Purple batch had something, i still find it very different then any other kratom, i am convinced it has extract in it. I over took it twice and made me feel strange. If everyone labeled that kratom has some extract, i would buy that, there are days when you need something a bit stronger but not to mention it is kind of evil and i think those who do that should reconsider doing that, not only it will hurt tolerance but can have unwanted results that can damage a person if to much taken. Then you see all these people looking for same batch since they cant feel any other batch. lol I think it would be a good idea to start new post and call it "Suspicious batches" , maybe pin it, if you feel any different from any regular kratom batch should be talked about. And why you think that, its not necessarily a bad batch, it just could be spiked with something, but if there is over 10 people who think the same, will help others avoid it. in some ways it will help with damage control.

[StringThing]

My main concern with regulation is that legislators would push for it in a way which prohibits small-time vendors from entering the market. The AKA can push for one thing, but lawmakers and corporate America will have different plans.

In my home state of IL, this is essentially what has happened with cannabis. Licenses to sell are given at a bidding and you need crazy requirements like 500k in the bank and 1 million in dept of agriculture bonds or something like that. I don't know the exact numbers for the exact fees, but it added up to being a playground for millionaires with nobody else having a chance to grow or sell or participate in the market whatsoever, except for a small group of 'underprivileged people'' (see: minority individuals who are well-connected millionaires) who got waived the licensing fee.

Kratom has such potential and it will probably blow up just like CBD did once more people hear about it. Most people still don't really know what it or does. But once they do, it will become even more popular. Especially with regulation. There's a lot of money in pain relief. They're even starting to grow it here in the US.

The AKA is dispositioned to act in an unbiased manner regarding kratom regulation. So I'm concerned of what they will ultimately accomplish with this. But as a user, I guess it'll just get a little more expensive for me. But I feel bad for the small vendors and aspiring vendors who would be crushed by such things.

[BallzDeep9]

My main concern with regulation is that legislators would push for it in a way which prohibits small-time vendors from entering the market. The AKA can push for one thing, but lawmakers and corporate America will have different plans .... The AKA is dispositioned to act in an unbiased manner regarding kratom regulation.

Yep. Unfortunately, it's just the opposite - AKA is acting in a totally biased manner, . pushing extreme "Big Government" Regulation, which favors ONLY those "Big Kratom" vendors who sell in Retail stores, and can afford expensive costs and Fees !! Including paying large fees to the AKA, to join their Cartel.

However - There are now, basically Two different KCPA Models being pushed by AKA on states:

• The Utah, KCPA model with State Registration for vendors: License, Fees, Fines, and seizures by State Police.
• The Florida, Georgia, KCPA model which does NOT have any such fees for vendors. Prohibits Sales to under 21.

AKA is pushing their Utah KCPA - Wherever they can... get away with it!! - States where the Lawmakers "buy" AKA's attempt to control the market. Oregon Governor wisely Veto'ed last year a really bad KCPA, which would have cost the State, huge $ setting-up a big Dept Of Agriculture with State funded Lab Testing.

Wisconsin is now falling for the Utah KCPA.. Vendors need to buy, a Food Processing Plant License from Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and to register every kratom product before distributing. Big Fees for registering a vendor and a product! "Monetary Penalties" fines for violations. State Police may seize and destroy any kratom products offered for sale... Some violations even Criminal Penalty!! https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2021/r ... sals/ab599

Florida, on the other hand ? Is doing pretty much the Georgia KCPA ( 1st state to enact KCPA), No Fees! No Fines! No License! NO "State Dept of Agriculture" Registration! Just a bunch of Legal definitions, and Adulterated Products not allowed. And must be Over 21... But NO State Police running around, kicking down doors, seizing kratom. Vendors do their Lab Testing. AND very important - NO "Big Kratom" Attorneys lawsuits on small vendors!! https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2 ... Filed/HTML

[Herba Rosa]

I'm an extremely small kratom vendor that only sells small batches, and I have always made sure to test everything and make sure those results are verifiable and available.
It wouldn't be that much to ask for all vendors to do the same. Those costs should be built in to the business plan.

That said, I have heard of many vendors enhancing/adulterating their powder by mixing in dry extract.
Meanwhile, they go around telling people that it's pure powder, and everyone goes around thinking it's amazing.
Problem is, when people take powder that's been enhanced with extract without being aware of it, they end up raising their tolerance and addiction.

If its done right, it in fact can be good extract with kratom batch. Main thing wish everyone would mention that if extract in it, i do think Gaia old Purple batch had something, i still find it very different then any other kratom, i am convinced it has extract in it. I over took it twice and made me feel strange. If everyone labeled that kratom has some extract, i would buy that, there are days when you need something a bit stronger but not to mention it is kind of evil and i think those who do that should reconsider doing that, not only it will hurt tolerance but can have unwanted results that can damage a person if to much taken. Then you see all these people looking for same batch since they cant feel any other batch. lol I think it would be a good idea to start new post and call it "Suspicious batches" , maybe pin it, if you feel any different from any regular kratom batch should be talked about. And why you think that, its not necessarily a bad batch, it just could be spiked with something, but if there is over 10 people who think the same, will help others avoid it. in some ways it will help with damage control.

I definitely agree. Great idea. We should have a new post about that. It's a despicable, devious example of unethical business in a wild west marketplace. Not only does it damage people's lives, but it also does harm to the kratom industry in general. It makes it harder for legitimate, ethical brands to compete when people are being misled about what they are consuming.

But of course, people should have access to enhanced kratom if that's what they want. The way I describe the feeling of enhanced kratom is that it feels like there's humid melancholy rain falling in your brain, a and warm, calming buzz fills your body.

[Herba Rosa]

My main concern with regulation is that legislators would push for it in a way which prohibits small-time vendors from entering the market. The AKA can push for one thing, but lawmakers and corporate America will have different plans.

In my home state of IL, this is essentially what has happened with cannabis. Licenses to sell are given at a bidding and you need crazy requirements like 500k in the bank and 1 million in dept of agriculture bonds or something like that. I don't know the exact numbers for the exact fees, but it added up to being a playground for millionaires with nobody else having a chance to grow or sell or participate in the market whatsoever, except for a small group of 'underprivileged people'' (see: minority individuals who are well-connected millionaires) who got waived the licensing fee.

Kratom has such potential and it will probably blow up just like CBD did once more people hear about it. Most people still don't really know what it or does. But once they do, it will become even more popular. Especially with regulation. There's a lot of money in pain relief. They're even starting to grow it here in the US.

The AKA is dispositioned to act in an unbiased manner regarding kratom regulation. So I'm concerned of what they will ultimately accomplish with this. But as a user, I guess it'll just get a little more expensive for me. But I feel bad for the small vendors and aspiring vendors who would be crushed by such things.

That's exactly what I'm worried about with regulation too. It's a problem. Maybe if the government was more efficient, they could be more fair if they were to have any regulations.

That's messed up to hear about the IL Cannabis industry. I started my career working in a corporate office for a multi-million dollar cannabis company here in NorCal.
I haven't been as involved for a year now, so I'm not sure how much things have changed. I know things were really bad with the taxes and license fees/delays, but it was nothing like what you're describing. That sounds awful.

But what the Cannabis industry is dealing with here is the Cartel building massive grow houses in the SoCal Central Valley. They are flooding the market with their illegal product and driving down prices across the industry,
making it extremely hard for smaller cannabusinesses to survive and pay all the taxes and fees.

[Herba Rosa]

My main concern with regulation is that legislators would push for it in a way which prohibits small-time vendors from entering the market. The AKA can push for one thing, but lawmakers and corporate America will have different plans .... The AKA is dispositioned to act in an unbiased manner regarding kratom regulation.

Yep. Unfortunately, it's just the opposite - AKA is acting in a totally biased manner, . pushing extreme "Big Government" Regulation, which favors ONLY those "Big Kratom" vendors who sell in Retail stores, and can afford expensive costs and Fees !! Including paying large fees to the AKA, to join their Cartel.

However - There are now, basically Two different KCPA Models being pushed by AKA on states:

• The Utah, KCPA model with State Registration for vendors: License, Fees, Fines, and seizures by State Police.
• The Florida, Georgia, KCPA model which does NOT have any such fees for vendors. Prohibits Sales to under 21.

AKA is pushing their Utah KCPA - Wherever they can... get away with it!! - States where the Lawmakers "buy" AKA's attempt to control the market. Oregon Governor wisely Veto'ed last year a really bad KCPA, which would have cost the State, huge $ setting-up a big Dept Of Agriculture with State funded Lab Testing.

Wisconsin is now falling for the Utah KCPA.. Vendors need to buy, a Food Processing Plant License from Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and to register every kratom product before distributing. Big Fees for registering a vendor and a product! "Monetary Penalties" fines for violations. State Police may seize and destroy any kratom products offered for sale... Some violations even Criminal Penalty!! https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2021/r ... sals/ab599

Florida, on the other hand ? Is doing pretty much the Georgia KCPA ( 1st state to enact KCPA), No Fees! No Fines! No License! NO "State Dept of Agriculture" Registration! Just a bunch of Legal definitions, and Adulterated Products not allowed. And must be Over 21... But NO State Police running around, kicking down doors, seizing kratom. Vendors do their Lab Testing. AND very important - NO "Big Kratom" Attorneys lawsuits on small vendors!! https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2 ... Filed/HTML

I like the sound of what Florida and Georgia are doing. Gotta remember not to sell to anyone from Wisoconsin. Lol. They might be an undercover agent.

[KratomBurner]

My main concern with regulation is that legislators would push for it in a way which prohibits small-time vendors from entering the market. The AKA can push for one thing, but lawmakers and corporate America will have different plans .... The AKA is dispositioned to act in an unbiased manner regarding kratom regulation.

Yep. Unfortunately, it's just the opposite - AKA is acting in a totally biased manner, . pushing extreme "Big Government" Regulation, which favors ONLY those "Big Kratom" vendors who sell in Retail stores, and can afford expensive costs and Fees !! Including paying large fees to the AKA, to join their Cartel.

However - There are now, basically Two different KCPA Models being pushed by AKA on states:

• The Utah, KCPA model with State Registration for vendors: License, Fees, Fines, and seizures by State Police.
• The Florida, Georgia, KCPA model which does NOT have any such fees for vendors. Prohibits Sales to under 21.

AKA is pushing their Utah KCPA - Wherever they can... get away with it!! - States where the Lawmakers "buy" AKA's attempt to control the market. Oregon Governor wisely Veto'ed last year a really bad KCPA, which would have cost the State, huge $ setting-up a big Dept Of Agriculture with State funded Lab Testing.

Wisconsin is now falling for the Utah KCPA.. Vendors need to buy, a Food Processing Plant License from Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and to register every kratom product before distributing. Big Fees for registering a vendor and a product! "Monetary Penalties" fines for violations. State Police may seize and destroy any kratom products offered for sale... Some violations even Criminal Penalty!! https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2021/r ... sals/ab599

Florida, on the other hand ? Is doing pretty much the Georgia KCPA ( 1st state to enact KCPA), No Fees! No Fines! No License! NO "State Dept of Agriculture" Registration! Just a bunch of Legal definitions, and Adulterated Products not allowed. And must be Over 21... But NO State Police running around, kicking down doors, seizing kratom. Vendors do their Lab Testing. AND very important - NO "Big Kratom" Attorneys lawsuits on small vendors!! https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2 ... Filed/HTML

Finally . I been thinking this too it didn't know how to word as well.

[kratomwriter]

My main concern with regulation is that legislators would push for it in a way which prohibits small-time vendors from entering the market. The AKA can push for one thing, but lawmakers and corporate America will have different plans .... The AKA is dispositioned to act in an unbiased manner regarding kratom regulation.

Yep. Unfortunately, it's just the opposite - AKA is acting in a totally biased manner, . pushing extreme "Big Government" Regulation, which favors ONLY those "Big Kratom" vendors who sell in Retail stores, and can afford expensive costs and Fees !! Including paying large fees to the AKA, to join their Cartel.

However - There are now, basically Two different KCPA Models being pushed by AKA on states:

• The Utah, KCPA model with State Registration for vendors: License, Fees, Fines, and seizures by State Police.
• The Florida, Georgia, KCPA model which does NOT have any such fees for vendors. Prohibits Sales to under 21.

AKA is pushing their Utah KCPA - Wherever they can... get away with it!! - States where the Lawmakers "buy" AKA's attempt to control the market. Oregon Governor wisely Veto'ed last year a really bad KCPA, which would have cost the State, huge $ setting-up a big Dept Of Agriculture with State funded Lab Testing.

Wisconsin is now falling for the Utah KCPA.. Vendors need to buy, a Food Processing Plant License from Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and to register every kratom product before distributing. Big Fees for registering a vendor and a product! "Monetary Penalties" fines for violations. State Police may seize and destroy any kratom products offered for sale... Some violations even Criminal Penalty!! https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2021/r ... sals/ab599

Florida, on the other hand ? Is doing pretty much the Georgia KCPA ( 1st state to enact KCPA), No Fees! No Fines! No License! NO "State Dept of Agriculture" Registration! Just a bunch of Legal definitions, and Adulterated Products not allowed. And must be Over 21... But NO State Police running around, kicking down doors, seizing kratom. Vendors do their Lab Testing. AND very important - NO "Big Kratom" Attorneys lawsuits on small vendors!! https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2 ... Filed/HTML

Thanks for the concise info/summary. This needs to be shared in the community. So, as an activist, when contacting state legislators to urge them to regulate kratom, how would we go about pushing for the FL/GA model?

I want people to be proactive rather than bitter. It seems like a good move to push legislators to support small businesses in the regulatory bills (help the state economy), and more important than spending time online typing "f*** the AKA." Even if it means passing the Utah edition KCPA first and then pressing legislators to amend it.
I mean, the AKA wants money, yeah. Maybe they're motivated by profits, but who knows how much moving around money has helped them win the favor of legislators? I wouldn't want their job, and I couldn't do it successfully. You're almost always going to be doing distasteful things when gettin' political. Money talks. But we can try to speak out for the little guy who gets swept aside in all of this, not only in the kratom industry but in this system.

At the end of the day, if my state were going to make kratom illegal, I'd settle for the Utah model over a ban in a heartbeat. My worry is that some vendors are going to put their concerns to affordably operate their business above regulating kratom/keeping it legal, and that's going to divide us.

Giving the AKA and "big kratom" a bad name has a trickle-down effect in which consumers have begun saying "f*** the KCPA" without any knowledge of the two versions. Some consumers on Reddit are being led like sheep to some "small batch vendors" whose "fire," "high-quality" batches are the same as the fresher batches as the Big Vendors; it's just easier to not run into old stuff because they're purchased in smaller quantities. Applying the whole "Big Kratom" thing to any AKA-affiliated vendor is misleading because they're by no means evil corporations. At worse, they provide old kratom and some companies might run by assholes. But they're not evil. Many of them started out small and they donate to all kinds of charities, or they're paying off loans or taking care of their family.

Honestly, as a bit of a capitalist cynic, I'm surprised we even have the GA/FL version of the bill (though I'd be pushing for it if we didn't). But I think some people (not on here, but you can find them on FB or Reddit) are dreamers—they won't settle unless they can continue selling their kratom without taking any added quality control measures or lab-testing it (which they justify by saying that other vendors hardly manage to lab-test all of their batches, neglecting that even so, there's still a difference). We need unity—even with "Big Kratom."