u/OtiesBotanicals302

Yesterday the South Carolina House adopted amendments to H.4641 that puts natural kratom at risk. The Representatives testimony would lead you to believe that they are in support of natural kratom and against dangerous synthetic drugs, but the language of the bill is unclear.  We ask that advocates reach out to the Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee in advance of next Wednesday's hearing and voice your objections.

 Further, if you are in South Carolina and available next Wednesday to testify against banning natural kratom in South Carolina, please register by Monday, May 4th at 12:00 pm here:

https://forms.gle/Qzfd3dNoSzoVdfTw9

Written remarks may also be sent to the committee here:

smedicomm@scsenate.gov (please use bill # in subject line)

"I am writing in regard to H.4641. While testimony in the House on H.4641 seemed to indicate an intent to ban synthetics and keep natural kratom legal and regulated, the amendments to H.4641 threaten both natural kratom and its consumers in South Carolina. Natural kratom has been used safely around the world for centuries and in the U.S. for decades. 

[PERSONAL STORY OF KR@TOM USE].

I opposed dangerous synthetic drugs like 7-OH that have confused the regulation of safe, natural botanicals.  Please oppose H.4641 or amend it to keep natural kratom legal in South Carolina

We (AKA) want to share an important update on the current state of kratom advocacy efforts across the country.

First, know this: the American Kratom Association (AKA) remains fully engaged in fighting for consumers. Our team continues to work around the clock—meeting with lawmakers, correcting misinformation, and pushing for responsible regulation over criminalization. We're making progress in Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, and others. 

However, we want to be candid about where all bans stand.

Challenging Developments

Despite extraordinary efforts from advocates like you, along with relentless lobbying and education campaigns: Tennessee, Kentucky, and Kansas all appear poised to move forward with kratom bans.

Kentucky’s ban is unlikely to take effect this year, which gives us time to continue working toward a reversal.

Kansas remains uncertain, but indications suggest the bill may still be signed. Tennessee is the most determined to ban.

This is deeply unfair and harmful for residents in these states, and we share your frustration. These outcomes do not reflect the science, nor the voices of responsible consumers.

The fight is not over. The AKA is already working on strategies to reverse these decisions and protect access in the long term.

👉 We still strongly encourage advocates in these states to contact their governors’ offices. Even when outcomes appear likely, continued pressure matters and helps shape future efforts.

Kansas: https://www.protectkratom.org/kansas

Kentucky: https://www.protectkratom.org/kentucky

Tennessee: https://www.protectkratom.org/tenn

🚨 Michigan: Immediate Action Needed

Michigan is now one of the most critical battlegrounds.

As you likely know by now a ban bill has passed the House and is now in the State Senate. Negative media attention is increasing support for a ban so we need to keep telling Senators the truth about kratom consumers.

This is where we can stop it.

👉 If you are a Michigan resident:

Call your State Senator’s office directly (this is especially impactful)

Everyone can send a message here

Additional State Updates

The AKA is actively monitoring and engaging in several other states, including: Arizona, Iowa, South Carolina and many other states where ban proposals have surfaced.

At this time, none of these efforts appear likely to advance, but we remain vigilant and prepared to act quickly if that changes.

Help Michigan here (For some reason it won't let me hyperlink)

👇

https://www.protectkratom.org/michigan?emci=c93aa85d-2243-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=68802f3e-2b43-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=4607198