Quick recap
The meeting focused on discussing the DEA's proposed scheduling of 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) in Kratom products, with Christopher explaining that this is actually a threshold discussion rather than a complete ban. Christopher analyzed his strongest green mangda powder, which contained 0.00538% 7-OH, showing it falls about 89% below the proposed 0.05% limit, indicating that current products could remain legal under the new regulations.
The group discussed how this affects different Kratom products, with extracts potentially being more impacted than powder forms, and Christopher noted that many commercial products already contained warnings about potentially having pseudoindoxyl and 7-OH. The conversation also covered personal experiences with Kratom usage, testing procedures, and concerns about the broader impact on the market, including how this might affect pain patients who rely on Kratom for relief.
Summary
Weather and Personal Updates Discussion
The participants discussed weather conditions, with Christopher mentioning flooding and rain in his area, while Venus noted receiving flash flood warnings. Christopher shared that he has been struggling with sleep issues for about two years due to various responsibilities, but is starting to improve. The conversation briefly touched on legal proceedings involving KDA in Massachusetts, with Michael expressing concerns about address requirements during testimony. The conversation ended with Paul joining to check in, mentioning he was tired from an early start to his day.
DEA Kratom Regulation Impact Analysis
Christopher discussed the impact of DEA regulations on kratom products, noting that while they lost Tennessee and Kansas, the regulations aim to show differences between products and establish thresholds for 7-OH levels. He analyzed their strongest green mangda batch, which contained 0.00538% 7-OH, well below the proposed 0.050% limit. The group discussed how many existing kratom products, including those labeled as containing pseudoindoxyl or 7-OH, will no longer be legal, and Christopher expressed concern about the criminalization aspect of Schedule 1 classification while acknowledging the need for manufacturer responsibility.
Kratom Mitragynine Analysis Discussion
Christopher explained that every batch comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available on their website, and discussed the differences in mitragynine (MIT) levels between kratom batches, noting that while 1.3 to 1.7 MIT levels are noticeable, the difference between 1.7 and 1.9 is minimal. He shared that their strongest batch ever was a white Maengda at 1.95% MIT, and explained how different MIT levels affect dosing, with red vein kratom having lower MIT content and requiring higher doses for the same effect. Christopher also described how he uses AI tools to analyze COAs and identify patterns in alkaloid content across different batches from the same region.
Kratom Advocacy Concerns Discussion
The group discussed concerns about a person's involvement in Kratom advocacy and Congressional hearings, with Christopher expressing strong criticism of this individual's actions and suggesting there are underlying motivations related to financial compensation. The discussion revealed that Claudia, Bev, and others had been warning about this person's activities for several months, and that information about their past actions had been shared across different pain organizations and platforms. The conversation briefly touched on historical Kratom products from 2016-2017, including the packaging methods used at that time.
DEA Kratom Regulation Threshold Discussion
Christopher explained that the DEA is not banning 7-OH but rather seeking to establish a safe threshold level for its presence in Kratom products, similar to how cannabis and hemp are regulated by THC percentage. He noted that current testing shows his products contain significantly less 7-OH than the proposed threshold of 0.05%, and expressed confidence that existing products would remain legal under the new regulations. The discussion also touched on various Kratom strains and their regional origins, with participants sharing information about different varieties from Thailand, Indonesia, and Burma.
Kratom Regulation and Policy Concerns
Christopher discussed concerns about Kratom products containing 7-OH, noting that while natural Kratom extracts remain below regulatory limits, commercial products with names like "perks" and "opia" contain higher concentrations of metabolites that could trigger regulatory issues. He shared experiences with health department officials who focused on problematic branded products rather than natural Kratom forms, leading to bans on all Kratom products despite the distinction. The group noted that 1,600 people attended a recent Drug Policy Alliance webinar on Kratom regulation, highlighting the growing advocacy around Kratom policy reform.
Kratom Regulations and Product Types
The group discussed regulations around kratom products, particularly focusing on the difference between powder and extracts. Christopher explained that while extracts are popular with consumers, a ban on extracts would affect seltzers and other products containing 708, though powder products would remain unaffected. The discussion included details about fermentation processes and their impact on alkaloid composition, with Christopher clarifying that fermentation does not increase 7-OH levels as some had claimed. The conversation also touched on Indonesia's quota system and its potential market control effects, though specific details about farmer benefits remained unclear.
Kratom Quality Control Issues
Christopher discussed issues with contaminated kratom shipments from Indonesia in 2017-2018, where some containers were mixed with half guava leaves and half kratom leaves due to payment issues, leading to poor quality product in the market. He explained their current testing procedures, which include multiple rounds of testing at different stages - from Indonesia quarantine testing to co-packer testing and final release testing before products go on sale. The discussion concluded with Christopher expressing a preference for kratom leaf over extracts, noting that extracts don't provide the same experience as powder and he uses them only as a supplement when needed.
Kratom Usage and Dosing Discussion
The group discussed their experiences with kratom usage and coffee consumption. Christopher shared that he uses one tablespoon of kratom, which he found works well after experimenting with different amounts over 9-10 years. Michael mentioned his personal dosing routine of 3 grams for energy and 4-5 grams for sleep, expressing confusion about people consuming much higher amounts of kratom. The conversation included discussion about the importance of weighing kratom due to varying grind consistency in different products and batches.
Kratom Usage and Abuse Discussion
The group discussed Kratom usage patterns and abuse concerns. Christopher shared experiences with customers who had misused Kratom, including one person who was taking excessive amounts weekly, though Christopher successfully helped this customer adjust their usage to a more appropriate schedule. The discussion highlighted that while extracts can be abused by some individuals with addictive behavior, most responsible users (approximately 95%) use Kratom products correctly, and extracts serve important purposes for people with GI issues who cannot tolerate powder. Christopher explained that his company has never sold problematic extract products and focuses on helping customers use Kratom safely and effectively.
Cannabis Extracts and Market Updates
The group discussed cannabis extracts in the market, with Christopher noting that extract potency has become more responsible, with most products now containing 30-50 milligrams compared to stronger versions previously available. Paul shared information about farmers in Indonesia being ripped off by larger companies, and Christopher mentioned their company had donated around $1,000 to help with flooding relief in Chongkong, Indonesia. The conversation then shifted to personal experiences with flooding, with Christopher expressing his fear of flooding and describing his home's flood protection measures, including a 4-foot elevated crawl space.
Home Fire Pit Discussion
Christopher discussed his large homemade fire pit in the backyard, which he built several years ago, and expressed interest in getting a custom grill grate for it. He noted that he and his wife haven't used their grills much this year due to being busy with work and life becoming less chaotic recently. The conversation then shifted to how COVID-19 affected social gatherings and in-person interactions, with Christopher sharing that he wasn't able to visit his father in a nursing home during the pandemic restrictions.
Cyclospora Outbreak and Kratom Regulations
The group discussed a cyclospora parasite outbreak affecting New Jersey and Maryland, with Kelly sharing that her household is temporarily avoiding raw vegetables and cooking them instead to prevent infection. Christopher explained regulatory developments regarding Kratom and related compounds, clarifying that discussions about 7-OH thresholds are not bans but rather attempts to establish safe consumption levels, while pseudoephedrine products are being moved to Schedule 1.
The conversation concluded with concerns about new compounds like Cat's Claw being marketed as alternatives, with participants expressing worry about manufacturers creating dangerous products that mimic traditional herbs.https://vimeo.com/1208873601?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci