This bill that is being introduced, HB2666, has some errors that we would like to be corrected. Listed under Section 2-204 D are two compounds, Mitragynine and 7-hydrxoymitragynine, that do not belong on this bill that prohibits various chemically-artificial, or synthetically manufactured, molecules. These two compounds are natural, and are the primary compounds that are part of a host of other beneficial chemical constituents found in the leaves of a tree commonly known as Kratom. Botanically known as Mitragyna speciosa, and native to Southeast Asia, this is a medicinal tree from the same botanical family that coffee is in: Rubiacaea.

Kratom has mild stimulating properties that do not cause social dysfunction or physical malnourishment. It has helped countless tens of thousands in the United States alone, many of which are in the state of Oklahoma, in the last decade as a treatment for depression, stress and mitigating pain. Among many other things, it is also used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anxiety-reducing properties.

There are currently studies being published showing this plant also has great potential in effectively waning people off of cocaine and heroin! Results are showing that this plant is more efficacious than presently used methods of addiction therapy such as methadone and suboxone treatments, for example.

If this bill is allowed to pass with these two compounds included, it will effectively undermine the legitimate medical usage sought after by people all across the state of Oklahoma, and will throw Kratom into a grey area. Please remove these compounds. Responsible adults are taking this as a medical adjunct to treat their symptoms and alleviate their illnesses. If you care for your citizenry, if you care about the individual welfare and health of the people that elect you to govern them, please take seriously what this bill threatens to do to them if passed with Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine included. I, and everyone who signs this petition, urge you to remove these two compounds.

Thank you for your time.