I just wanted to start a thread of pictures and images from our farmers and friends in Indonesia! These pictures are from 2016-2026

Quick recap This meeting was a discussion about recent kratom legislation and advocacy efforts, primarily focusing on Philadelphia's proposed bills to ban smoke shops and intoxicating substances, and Tennessee's recent ban on kratom. Christopher shared details about his attendance at a hearing in Philadelphia, where he observed city council members discussing two separate bills targeting illegal smoke shops and synthetic substances, noting that the legislation appeared to be targeting convenience stores registered as smoke shops that were later selling illegal drugs. Kelly discussed her recent experience testifying against kratom legislation in Tennessee, expressing frustration that despite presenting evidence about natural kratom's benefits, the state legislature still passed the ban, leading her to become disillusioned with politics and consider moving out of the state. The group discussed how synthetic and adulterated kratom products have created problems for natural kratom users, with Christopher explaining that the majority of synthetic products now dominate smoke shop shelves, making it difficult for legitimate users to access natural kratom. Venus joined the conversation briefly but had technical difficulties with audio, and the group also discussed the importance of proper dosage and usage of natural kratom products. Summary Kratom Regulation Bill Discussion Christopher discussed his experience attending a busy day of meetings in Philadelphia, where two bills were being considered: one targeting illegal smoke shops and another banning intoxicating substances. He noted that while there were concerns about the bills potentially affecting legal kratom if not properly amended, the primary focus appeared to be on addressing illegal smoke shops that were registered as convenience stores but later transitioned to selling drugs. Venus and Christopher also briefly discussed the lack of negative public comments during the hearing and the need for amendments to ensure natural kratom is not inadvertently banned.

Quick recap Christopher and Venus discussed recent regulatory developments affecting kratom sales across multiple states. They focused primarily on Ohio's new restrictions effective May 19th, which ban most kratom products except for natural kratom in its vegetative form (dried leaf or powder) that cannot be marketed as a food, drug, or dietary supplement. Christopher explained that this effectively requires kratom to be sold in plain, unlabeled packages similar to how it was sold 10-15 years ago, prohibiting capsules, extracts, liquid forms, gummies, and any products with dosage instructions. They also briefly touched on Kansas's scheduling of 7-OH compounds as Schedule 1 substances and Tennessee's recent ban, while noting that Delaware legislation remains under review. The conversation included personal anecdotes about Christopher's culinary background and his service dog Eli's health management with kratom. Summary Kratom Ban Challenges Update Christopher discussed the ongoing challenges with kratom bans across different states, noting the loss of Louisiana and Connecticut, and highlighting the restrictive nature of Utah's regulations. He mentioned upcoming bans in Kansas and Tennessee starting July 1st. The conversation served as a preliminary update while waiting for other participants to join the meeting. Ohio Kratom Regulation Updates Christopher and Venus discussed recent developments regarding kratom regulations in Ohio, with Christopher reviewing official documents about new restrictions effective on the 19th. The discussion covered how only natural kratom in its vegetative form (dried leaf or powder) would remain legal for sale, while processed forms would be classified as Schedule 1. Venus confirmed she had submitted her registration for the relevant requirements. Ohio Kratom Regulations Update Christopher discussed the new regulations for kratom in Ohio, explaining that natural kratom in its vegetative form (dried leaf or powder) is legal, but cannot be marketed as a food, drug, or dietary supplement. He noted that products like capsules, gummies, and liquid forms are prohibited, and that kratom must be sold without instructions for human consumption. Christopher plans to create a post summarizing these regulations to help clarify the new requirements for businesses and consumers in Ohio.

It's been a busy week already, and it's only Wednesday! I had the wonderful opportunity to join in and learn from some of the best minds in dietary supplements. We are fighting for all dietary supplements!

The Minister of Forestry for Indonesia was present and discussed the long-term goals of carbon reduction and how kratom trees could help with numerous issues beyond just the leaf we love. Kratom trees can be credibly framed as part of a tree-based, riverbank, wetland, and agroforestry conservation model. The strongest science-backed argument is not “kratom alone saves the planet.” The stronger, more defensible argument is: Kratom is a perennial tropical tree that grows naturally near river systems, wetlands, freshwater swamp forests, and saturated soils. When cultivated responsibly, especially along riverbanks and in degraded wetland areas, kratom trees can support carbon capture, soil stability, canopy cover, reduced erosion, increased water infiltration, and flood mitigation. 1. Kratom trees capture carbon dioxide like other woody trees Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. University of Florida IFAS describes kratom as a facultatively deciduous tropical tree that can reach up to 80 feet in its native environment, with a trunk, canopy, roots, branches, and recurring leaf growth. In Southeast Asia, farmers traditionally hand-harvest leaves repeatedly from living trees, rather than cutting down the tree each season. That matters because living perennial trees keep storing carbon in woody biomass, roots, and surrounding soil over time. (Ask IFAS - Powered by EDIS) The general agroforestry science supports this. USDA NRCS states that agroforestry, forestry, riparian buffers, tree and shrub establishment, forest farming, and related practices can improve carbon sequestration in perennial biomass, trees, and soils while also reducing erosion and improving water quality. (Natural Resources Conservation Service) Kratom trees are not an annual crop that gets replanted every season. They are living perennial trees. When managed responsibly, they can store carbon in trunks, branches, roots, leaf litter, and soil, while giving farmers a renewable leaf harvest.