HomeMy WebLinkAboutMcCann Email 02_13_2026Q outlook
ln Support of Kratom Ban
From Kelli McCann < kellianne.mccann@gmail.com >
Date Fri 2026-02-13 1:11 PM
To Provos, Sara < SProvos@yarmouth.ma.us >
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Dear Members of the Board,
My name is Kelli McCann. I am writing in support of a ban on kratom in its entirety.
My son Benjamin Wilcock died from acute mitragynine intoxication (kratom) on 9112124 at40
years of age. Nothing atypical was found in his autopsy. He took kratom to manage his
psoriatic arthritis pain. He was led to believe that it was a safe and healthy alternative to
prescription drugs and about as addictive as coffee. This belief cost him his life, and it cost me
my oldest child and only son.
I have written many letters sharing about my son's death due to kratom. I live in Montana, but I
advocate in all states for a kratom ban because this is not just a state-to-state issue but an
issue about humanity. Kratom is sold and shipped from all over the country. My son was
supplied kratom from an out of state vendor.
I recently spent the day with a journalist who overcame kratom addiction with medical
intervention. We visited my son's work to get comments from his employees and to view a wall
they made in honor of my son. Ben was a warehouse operations manager for Coca Cola. My
son was responsible and hard-working. One of Ben's employees said "We knew Ben took
kratom, but we just figured it was for health. He had a "cup of tea" each evening." Kratom is
falsely marketed as a safe and natural substance often referred to as "tea." I have connected
with families with similar stories. I will continue to advocate because it is simply the right thing
to do. People have died and will continue to die from kratom unless our voices are heird and-
the appropriate action is taken.
The DEA attempted to schedule this dangerous substance in 20'16. lt has escalated in the last10 years as evidenced by more dangerous derivatives being made, more deaths, more
addiction, more adverse effects, etc. Death certificates, autopsy, and toxicology reports areconcrete data. lt is final. so many of us live with that devastating ieality because-tf thisdangerous substance every day and are desperately trying to pieventihe same fate for others.
The following are links to articles regarding kratom that you may find informative.
httpsluauu. mslhgsaga i nstherbalabuse.org/kratom-for-lawmakers.html
Hun reds die usrns kra tom in Fl orida. lt was tou ASS I Tamp-a_Baylrmesfe
Can kratom kill?I Courthouse News Service
Addiction and the kratom business I Courthouse News Service
The kratom p_laylgqkl Wolking the refs I Courthouse News Service
The law and the ptgfts-lnsidclrclaospddealunllclbcly_l Courthouse News Service
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Kelli McCann
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