On Friday, September 20, 2024, a critical Congressional Briefing on kratom science was convened in the Cannon House Office Building, within the House Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing Room. This significant event brought together renowned scientists and legislators to discuss the latest research and implications of kratom, a plant increasingly recognized for its potential benefits but continually criticized by the FDA.
The briefing called upon members of Congress, the FDA, and the media to engage with the scientific community to foster a well-informed dialogue about kratom. It is imperative for stakeholders to watch the briefing recording to fully grasp the detailed discussions and findings presented. The recording is available for viewing here.
Legislative statements were made by Congressman Jack Bergman and Congressman Mark Pocan, who both underscored the necessity of informed legislative actions based on the emerging science presented.
Congressman Bergman, a retired Lt. General in the United States Marine Corps stated: “We know we've got challenges. We know we've got nationwide mental health crises. We know that there are issues out there that need to be solved. And let's get specific here with kratom. It has significant potential to help overcome addiction, to treat withdrawal, to basically get people back on the road to a successful life."
The briefing featured enlightening presentations by esteemed experts including Dr. Chris McCurdy from the University of Florida, Dr. Jack Henningfield of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Ed Boyer of Ohio State University and visiting professor from Harvard School of Medicine, and Dr. Kirsten Smith also from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
During the event the scientists highlighted that kratom has shown great potential, but it is imperative that it be correctly regulated with an approach guided by sound science and clinical research. This sentiment was articulated by Dr. Henningfield, who stated, "We need kratom in the game and legitimized, not demonized."
Dr. Boyer addressed the primary risk factors associated with kratom, including whether kratom causes respiratory depression: "So to say that kratom and mitragynine induce respiratory depression, I don't know that there's a whole lot of strong evidence for that. In fact, there's actually kind of some evidence the opposite direction.”
In addition to the scientific panel of experts, a second panel comprised of consumer advocates, including several who direct non-profits for veterans and a former medical professional, provided personal statements. The founders of Forgotten Not Gone, a veteran suicide prevention group, discussed how kratom contributes to them overcoming obstacles from service-related injuries to help the Las Vegas veteran’s community stay active and combat depression and suicide.
The full video of the briefing can be accessed here on AKA's official YouTube channel.
About American Kratom Association (AKA)
The American Kratom Association (AKA), a consumer-based non-profit organization, advocates to protect the freedom of consumers to safely consume natural kratom as a part of their personal health and well-being regimen. AKA represents the nearly 20 million Americans who consume kratom safely each year. For more information, visit www.americankratom.org.
The briefing called upon members of Congress, the FDA, and the media to engage with the scientific community to foster a well-informed dialogue about kratom. It is imperative for stakeholders to watch the briefing recording to fully grasp the detailed discussions and findings presented. The recording is available for viewing here.
Legislative statements were made by Congressman Jack Bergman and Congressman Mark Pocan, who both underscored the necessity of informed legislative actions based on the emerging science presented.
Congressman Bergman, a retired Lt. General in the United States Marine Corps stated: “We know we've got challenges. We know we've got nationwide mental health crises. We know that there are issues out there that need to be solved. And let's get specific here with kratom. It has significant potential to help overcome addiction, to treat withdrawal, to basically get people back on the road to a successful life."
The briefing featured enlightening presentations by esteemed experts including Dr. Chris McCurdy from the University of Florida, Dr. Jack Henningfield of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Ed Boyer of Ohio State University and visiting professor from Harvard School of Medicine, and Dr. Kirsten Smith also from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
During the event the scientists highlighted that kratom has shown great potential, but it is imperative that it be correctly regulated with an approach guided by sound science and clinical research. This sentiment was articulated by Dr. Henningfield, who stated, "We need kratom in the game and legitimized, not demonized."
Dr. Boyer addressed the primary risk factors associated with kratom, including whether kratom causes respiratory depression: "So to say that kratom and mitragynine induce respiratory depression, I don't know that there's a whole lot of strong evidence for that. In fact, there's actually kind of some evidence the opposite direction.”
In addition to the scientific panel of experts, a second panel comprised of consumer advocates, including several who direct non-profits for veterans and a former medical professional, provided personal statements. The founders of Forgotten Not Gone, a veteran suicide prevention group, discussed how kratom contributes to them overcoming obstacles from service-related injuries to help the Las Vegas veteran’s community stay active and combat depression and suicide.
The full video of the briefing can be accessed here on AKA's official YouTube channel.
About American Kratom Association (AKA)
The American Kratom Association (AKA), a consumer-based non-profit organization, advocates to protect the freedom of consumers to safely consume natural kratom as a part of their personal health and well-being regimen. AKA represents the nearly 20 million Americans who consume kratom safely each year. For more information, visit www.americankratom.org.
