Time

As Ross Perot sagely observed in the 1992 Presidential debates (and yes, I am that old), "Tahm is the enemy!" Translated from Texan to English, that's roughly "Time is the enemy!" (I've lived in Texas for a bit, so I've picked up some of the lingo.) Kratom helps give me the energy to pursue activities that I love, including software development, banjo, guitar, yodeling, and trying to trick my son into thinking I'm the greatest dad ever. I'm also a bit of a social media butterfly, and appear on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and About.me. When I find some free time between all that, I write. I suppose the lack of posts is, in a way, a good thing; it means I'm pursuing the things I really like to do.

I'd like to spend more time working to ensure kratom remains legal, and I do find time to write the occasional letter to a legislative body when the legality of kratom is called into question. That's where I think this blog may play a role. I'm a pretty regular guy by most standards: I have a wife, kid, one too many pets, and a full-time job. The only difference between me and my colleagues, family members, and friends is that I use a misunderstood plant to help with some conditions that have troubled me for years. I hope that by writing about kratom and its relevance to my life, I can enlighten people and show that neither kratom -- nor those who benefit from it -- should be demonized. We're real people with jobs, families, and a smelly dog (well, some of us, anyway). Thank you for your time, and all you do to help ensure kratom remains a natural alternative medicine for us!

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HB 5707 - Proposed Kratom Ban in Michigan

Hi folks,

Time to exercise your digits and type a letter to the Michigan legislature! I found out about this through the Kratom Association Facebook page. Below is the contact information for the sponsor of the bill, George Darany.

Rep. George Darany
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Fax: (517) 373-7538
Phone: (517) 373-0847
Toll Free: (855) 775-1515
Email: georgetdarany@house.mi.gov

If you need a little help getting started, here's the letter I sent:

Dear Mr. Darany,

I am thirty-eight years old, a husband, and a father of a seven year-old. I have worked in the same industry for fifteen years. One might say that I'm dependable, and have a strong work ethic. I pay taxes to fund my local, state, and federal government's effort to support and improve our nation. I strive to treat those around me with respect and compassion, and to set a good moral example for my child.

Like many Americans, I suffer from anxiety and depression, and take a combination of prescription drugs to help me lead a more productive and enjoyable life. These medications have worked quite well, but also have some undesirable side effects such as weight gain, reduced energy, lack of emotional range, and other minor (but unpleasant) side effects. Because of these side effects, I researched alternative, natural forms of treatment for quite some time. My research lead me to kratom, which I now consume daily as a tea. I was troubled to hear of the inclusion of Kratom and its alkaloids in House Bill 5707. By classifying kratom as a Schedule V controlled substance, you are removing the kratom leaf as an option for many who use the plant as a natural alternative to traditional synthetic pharmaceuticals. You are also setting a precedent for other states, which is one of the reasons I was compelled to contact you. I use kratom in a responsible, non-recreational manner, and have benefitted immensely since I first began taking it several years ago. Much like I would use a traditional prescription medication, I take a small dose of kratom once or twice per day as needed, usually mixed with coffee or tea. Its effects last approximately two to three hours, providing energy and focus while at the same time keeping my anxiety in check. It combats the less desirable side effects of my prescription medication, and seems to be at least as effective in fighting the anxiety and depression that I began treating with prescription medication years ago.

Kratom has become a critical component in my self-improvement efforts. I have become a more productive professional, and a more engaged husband and father. I am not a criminal, nor are the others like me who have found renewed hope with this plant. I sympathize with your efforts to create a safe, drug-free environment for your citizens, but criminalizing Kratom only hinders those like me who only seek to improve themselves through a holistic approach.

Thank you for your time.

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