23d • Christopher's Tea Talks
Christopher's Tea Talks Episode 25 January 22nd 2026
Quick recap
The meeting focused on the ongoing challenges and efforts to advocate for kratom, including discussions about recent local and state bans, the importance of community involvement, and the need for better coordination among advocacy groups. Participants shared updates on local kratom bans, including in Cobden, Illinois, and emphasized the importance of quickly spreading information to prevent further restrictions.
They discussed the need for clear communication and collaboration among advocacy organizations to address misinformation and support community members affected by these bans. The conversation also touched on the benefits of kratom and the importance of educating the public and policymakers about its uses and safety.
Summary
Production, Surgery, and Botanical Medicine
Christopher discussed his recent recovery from an injury and upcoming surgery scheduled around a Chamber of Commerce open house on February 12th. He mentioned managing production and coordinating with local co-packers to keep shipping costs down. Venus shared her plans to attend a pain medicine class offered by the state of Delaware, expressing her interest in advocating for botanical medicine in such educational settings. Christopher agreed with Venus's stance on the importance of plant medicine and mentioned a recent blog post on his Substack about the rights to grow medicinal plants at home.
Kratom Regulation Challenges Across States
Christopher and Venus discussed the challenges and regulations surrounding kratom cultivation and use, particularly in New Jersey, where medical patients cannot grow their own plants. They expressed frustration with misinformation and differing state regulations. Angela shared an update about California's alcoholic beverage control agency threatening to pull liquor licenses from businesses selling kratom and 70H, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the kratom community.
Kratom Ban Advocacy Challenges
The group discussed the widespread and increasing number of proposed kratom bans across the United States, with Angela noting that over 70% of the country now has proposed bans, the highest rate since 2014. They identified that Lucas County, Ohio had banned kratom without wider awareness, and agreed that better coordination between advocacy organizations was needed to prevent such gaps. The discussion highlighted concerns about misinformation being used in local hearings, with Christopher emphasizing the need for the FDA to update their website with current scientific information about kratom, particularly regarding plain leaf products.
Kratom Health Advocacy Discussion
The group discussed their experiences with kratom and its effects on health, including blood work results and cholesterol levels. They shared personal stories about managing medications and potential side effects. Christopher emphasized the importance of collaboration between organizations in advocating for kratom, stating that working together is the only way forward.
Enhancing Communication and Transparency
The group discussed challenges with information sharing and communication processes, emphasizing the need to treat stakeholders as adults by providing comprehensive information rather than piecemeal updates. They explored ways to simplify communication, including using form emails and AI tools like ChatGPT for professional communication. Venus highlighted the importance of clear meeting schedules and Zoom links, while Robin and Angela expressed concerns about the negative publicity surrounding kratom and the lack of financial impact statements for LA County. The conversation also touched on the potential conflicts of interest involving lawyer groups and the need for more balanced reporting on kratom-related issues.
Kratom Product Categories and Risks
Christopher discussed the different categories of kratom products, emphasizing the importance of using the whole plant for its full benefits. He shared his personal experiences with kratom extracts and highlighted the risks of consuming too much, particularly with extracts. Christopher also compared kratom to cannabis, noting the differences in potency and the availability of various products. The group briefly discussed the use of CBD and THC products, with Robin expressing a preference for products without THC.
Cannabis and Kratom Regulation Updates
The group discussed cannabis and kratom regulations across different states, with Christopher explaining New Jersey's laws allowing up to 10 medical plants and sharing a story about failed legislation combining cannabis and magic mushroom homegrow bills. Robin shared positive news about a Mississippi hearing with good attendance, while the group agreed that in-person testimony carries more weight than remote participation. They discussed how some states' anti-kratom regulations have led to residents moving away, with Christopher noting that Louisiana's ban has caused some chronic pain patients to relocate.
Kratom Benefits and Cultural Impact
The group discussed the benefits of Kratom and its impact on their lives, emphasizing its effectiveness in managing pain and providing energy. Christopher shared his experience of introducing Kratom to local authorities and the positive reception it received, highlighting the need for education about the plant's benefits. They also touched on the differences in Kratom's perception and usage across various regions, with Christopher noting that issues like those with 70H seem more prevalent in urban areas. The conversation concluded with a brief discussion on the decline in alcohol consumption due to the rise of THC and the closure of bars in their area.
Cannabis and Alcohol Consumption Impact
The group discussed the impact of cannabis legalization on alcohol consumption, with Christopher sharing his personal experience of choosing cannabis over alcohol if it had been legally available. They also discussed a recent ban on kratom in Cobden, Illinois, which Angela discovered while researching. The conversation ended with plans for future engagement and a reminder about an upcoming snowstorm.
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Christopher's Tea Talks Episode 25 January 22nd 2026
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