Photo credit: Antonio Gravante | Dreamstime

The kratom community is on high alert since the FDA issued an advisory claiming some 36 deaths attributable to kratom. A great deal of misinformation exists related to kratom but fortunately for the people who find an improved quality of life using the South East Asian plant, there are several experts who support our case as well. Just earlier today, I wrote about <a href="https://thegoldwater.com/news/12348-Dr-Jane-Babin-Weighs-In-On-Kratom-Safety">my interview with molecular biologist and kratom advocate, Dr. Jane Babin.</a>

The American Kratom Association <a href="https://www.americankratom.org/fda-call-to-action">released a call to action</a> that involved a form letter template, and suggestions for people to contact in regards to kratom. Recently on Reddit, the user hononononoh shared his open letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. Being an M.D. certainly couldn't hurt as far as establishing an expert opinion. According to the demographic breakdown following the DEA's comment period last Autumn, <a href="https://www.inquisitr.com/4617297/ny-post-spreads-dea-disinfo-regarding-kratom/">48 percent of the respondents</a> was composed of veterans, law enforcement officials, healthcare professionals and scientists.

Dear Dr. Gottlieb:

I am a practicing family physician who is advocating for the continued legality of kratom. I have seen firsthand the positive effects kratom has had on the health and quality of life of patients. Like anything we take into our bodies, kratom carries risk, and is certainly not for everyone. However, recommending a ban on kratom will make it far more difficult to conduct the research necessary for determining its risks and benefits.

I am aware that America's opioid addiction crisis is one of the main issues President Trump's administration selected you to tackle. Having been on the front lines of this crisis, I laud your efforts I support you in this goal. Having examined what evidence there is, including my own patients' outcomes, I deem kratom's continued availability to the public much more a part of the solution, than a part of the problem. I am confident that as a fellow scientist and physician, you and your colleagues will take due consideration of all available unbiased, up to date scientific evidence regarding kratom, before making any recommendations to the DEA and any other government bodies.

Below is my contact information, as I would be happy to discuss this issue further with you and your colleagues. Consider this an open letter to the FDA; I consent to my name and my stance on this issue being shared, and this e-mail forwarded (in full and unaltered) as you see fit.

<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/kratom/comments/7dmbdp/an_open_letter_to_dr_scott_gottlieb_and_his/">/u/hononononoh also offered some advice</a> for others who would like to help with the letter-writing campaign.

<blockquote>*Hard facts, stated briefly and backed up

*Logical arguments for why our position is in theirs and everyone's best interest

*Unfailingly polite and professional language

The quality, not just the quantity, of communication, is what gets a letter of advocacy taken seriously by people in charge, as opposed to dismissed as the rantings of an internet nutter. Don't feed the stereotype of "druggie".</blockquote>

Credentialed or not, every voice and opinion matters, but it is always best to make sure you know your facts and share them clearly and in a professional and polite manner.