HomeMy WebLinkAboutStevens Email 03_07_20266r Outloo k
Kratom experience. Please do not ban
From Jan Stevens <janicestevens@yahoo.com >
Date Sat 2026-03-07 12:58 PM
To Provos, Sara < SProvos@yarmouth.ma.us >
Attentionl: This email originates outside of the organization. Do not open attachments or click links
unless you are sure this email is from a known sender and you know the content is safe. Call the sender
to verify if unsure. Otherwise delete this email.
Dear Committee Members,
I am writing to support regulating Kratom for age of use and manufacturing quality guidelines but NOT
banning it as it has tremendous usefulness for people like me.
Of note: I support regulation (or banning) of 7-OH, a new synthetic because there is no science behind it
and it has been shown to cause respiratory depression. This is NOT the case with kratom. Per FDA press
conference on July 29, 2025, the FDA is NOT interested in banning Kratom - there are 100s of scientific
studies of kratom that show it is safe for consumers. But FDA is rightfully concerned with 7-OH, a new
synthetic without any scientific backing.
7-Oh is NOT the same as Kratom, and I agree with the FDA that 7-OH should be banned or at least
heavily regulated. Properly manufactured Kratom should remain available for adults to use responsibly,
I am a daily Kratom user and have been for over 15 years.
I was a registered nurse and injured my back while working, leaving me with crippling back pain.
I was initially treated with the usual opioids with only partial alleviation of pain and side effects of
decreased energy and mental acuity. Surgery was not an option for me.
After about 8 months on opioids ltried kratom and never returned to opioids.
Kratom manages my pain and leaves me with energy and a clear mind. Since injuring my back I have
been a biotech executive for over 13 years, attained a Harvard degree in biomedical ethics, and could
only have accomplished all that I have because of Kratom.
There are many like me who rely on Kratom to function fully. I agree with regulations concerning product
purity and age restrictions, but please do not take pain relief and ability to live productive lives despite
chronic pain away from responsible Kratom users like me.
Thank you for understanding, and for supporting regulation of Kratom, NOT banning it.
Janice Stevens
617 -957 -57 07