The Agma

Ohio. Kratom advocate. Mystic. Artist.

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

This statement is based on a news story that used the word “kratom” when the products found near the students were a synthetic drug, not natural kratom. Natural kratom is an unaltered plant. Years of research, and research still going on, support treating natural leaf differently from chemically altered and synthetic products. It would unethical and cruel to ignore that distinction. Countless, innocent people, and the AKA, have shared stories of how leaf helped them, improved their quality of life and well-being. Those stories are being ignored, and the absolute claim that all kratom kills is not supported by the science available to anyone who takes the time to do the research.

It is not known how these students died. Their cause of death is not known. Toxicology is still pending, and officials said they had no confirmed information that kratom caused either death. What was found near them was packaging for Modus SMAX Pseudo-DHM tablets. Court documents list the ingredients as pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Those are synthetic or chemically altered compounds. The DEA is working to establish reasonable thresholds for naturally occuring chemicals in the unaltered plant. What was found at the scene was not the naturally occuring plant. No public report has shown mitragynine alone, and no other drugs or chemicals, have been found in the students' bodies.

FDA said in July 2025 that its 7-OH action is not focused on natural kratom leaf. HHS and DEA said scheduling 7-OH above a threshold is not meant to cover the botanical, because the plant only has trace 7-OH. That is the right line: a limit on concentrated and synthetic 7-OH, with a threshold high enough that the small amount naturally in the leaf is not treated as the same thing. https://t.co/rI2weUlTzM

Peer-reviewed surveys and reviews also describe many users cutting back or quitting other substances. In one self-selected survey, nearly half said natural kratom helped with withdrawal. https://t.co/etRzI70hfQ https://t.co/m8tf1wbb5R

It was concluded in a recent study that natural kratom powder “was safe and well tolerated at the dose ranges tested, with no evidence of meaningful abuse potential or withdrawal.” No serious adverse events or deaths were reported. https://t.co/tzImftNwvJ

The science behind the distinction is also here: https://t.co/FrAYHK43kL

Kratom has helped my life. It has greatly improved my well-being and quality of life for three years. I am completely healthy, functioning, working, providing for my family and healthier than I have been in 16 years. Banning the unaltered plant because a headline used the word kratom for a synthetic tablet is unethical and harmful to many innocent people who've actively advocated alongside the American Kratom Association. The leaf and the synthetics are being treated as the same thing when the products found near these students were not plain leaf, and the cause of death is still not known. Reasonable regulation is a sensible option that would create safety and age restrictions for natural kratom. Please, don't ignore this option for the millions of people that have positive testimonies compared to one news story that does not support that natural kratom is deadly.

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

I’m so incredibly sorry you lost your husband. There are no words. I truly cannot imagine that pain.

I don’t know whether your husband was taking natural kratom powder or concentrated/synthetic 7-OH. Those are very different. I am specifically referring to natural kratom.

The AKA and scientific researchers are rigorously working to bring education, research, and factuality to this plant. A recent peer-reviewed human clinical trial found dried natural kratom leaf powder safe and well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or deaths among 116 participants.

https://t.co/tzImftO4lh

Natural kratom leaf contains only trace amounts of 7-OH, while concentrated 7-OH products can contain vastly higher amounts. They should not be treated as the same substance.

https://t.co/mI9faELdL4

Many reported “kratom deaths” are polysubstance deaths, and other factors may have been involved. The CDC found multiple substances in almost all kratom-positive deaths it examined.

https://t.co/1mF2aVyMby

In many cases, kratom is blamed when other factors may have been at play. A 2025 review found confounding substances in 32 of 35 deceased cases where mitragynine was confirmed and concluded that evidence was insufficient to establish that kratom alone causes severe acute adverse effects.

https://t.co/H5THOqOIxB

There have also been documented concerns about coroners and medical examiners hastily attributing deaths to kratom, including cases where forensic conclusions about causation have been challenged.

https://t.co/Udgszq53yH

https://t.co/ktvM9JZavy

Studies have found natural kratom to be safe. I believe that, as more rigorous research is conducted and forensic evidence is examined carefully, perceiving natural kratom as inherently fatal will be recognized as a debunked misunderstanding of the evidence.

I am not saying your husband’s death or your grief isn’t real. I am saying that one heartbreaking tragedy should not justify a blanket ban on natural kratom when the scientific evidence surrounding causation is far more complicated.

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

Thank you for bringing attention to this issue, Representative Brennan, and for considering the perspectives of the many Ohioans who are deeply invested in this matter. Following a 13-year struggle with alcoholism, natural, unadulterated kratom leaf has been a vital tool in supporting my long-term recovery. It has allowed me to completely reclaim my quality of life; today, I am healthier and happier than ever, functioning as a fully present member of my family and community while maintaining steady employment.

Responsible advocates across Ohio are actively seeking sensible regulation through the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) framework currently under legislative consideration. These proposed standards are grounded in years of rigorous scientific research, which you can review in detail at https://t.co/I59PEHkxFh.

I worry deeply about the prospect of prohibition, which historically damages far more lives than it saves by counterproductively punishing responsible adults who are simply striving to maintain their health, well-being, and daily productivity. True consumer safety lies in science-based regulation rather than outright bans.

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

@77produceguy @BrennanforOhio ❤️

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

@drjaredcrawford @HoosierKratom I've heard that the most important part of your letter is your personal testimony about how natural kratom has helped your life. You could add data, facts and resources like https://t.co/Gz1zByl9p9 to strengthen your letter also. Thank you for your advocacy!

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

🚨 OHIO KRATOM ADVOCATES: ACTION NEEDED IMMEDIATELY 🚨
🚨 OHIO KRATOM ADVOCATES: ACTION NEEDED 🚨

I attended today's Ohio Board of Pharmacy meeting (online in the public broadcast). The Board appears to be moving forward with the proposed rule to schedule natural kratom and advance it through the rulemaking process.

This does not mean the rule is final, but it does mean the Board is continuing to pursue scheduling rather than withdrawing it.

Now is the time to stay involved, stay informed and act. Contact lawmakers, spread awareness, and encourage others to get involved.

The most important thing advocates can do right now is urge lawmakers to advance the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (SB 299 and HB 587) as an alternative to scheduling.

This is bad news but it's not over. There is still hope. We need to show as much public interest in the KCPA bills as possible to get them moving. We can fight this together!

📢 KEY CONTACTS FOR OHIO ADVOCATES

Please contact the lawmakers below and urge them to advance the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (SB 299 and HB 587) and support regulation rather than prohibition.

Senator Louis Blessing (SB 299 Sponsor)
[email protected]
[phone]

Senator Kristina Roegner (Chair, Senate General Government Committee)
[email protected]
[phone]

Senator Theresa Gavarone (Vice Chair, Senate General Government Committee)
[email protected]
[phone]

Representative Mike Odioso (HB 587 Sponsor)
[email protected]
[phone]

Representative Brian Lorenz (HB 587 Sponsor)
[email protected]
[phone]

@LBlessing308
@kristinaroegner
@tgavarone
@SteveHuffmanOH
@BillReineke
@JaneTimken
@Rob_McColley
@TheKratomAssn
@kratomscience

@TeamKratom
@KratomTimes
@MikeOdioso
@lorenzforohio
@Kpascuch
@misteaz79
@TauntonKratom
@KratomGuyShow
@OhioSenate
#Kratom #KeepKratomLegal #ProtectKratom #KCPA #OhioKratom #SB299 #AmericanKratomAssociation #KratomAdvocacy #KratomSavesLives #VeteransForKratom #ConsumersForKratom #OhioPolitics #OhioLegislature #NaturalKratom #BotanicalFreedom

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

@HaddowMac Done!

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

@Ch52471437Wendy This information is literally founded on the general incompetence that naturally surrounds kratom because people don't know what it is. For example, two CORONERS were sued in Ohio as the only means to clarify a wrongfully determined cause of death. Lies hurt people.

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

@JeniferPMartin1 You're welcome! I will try to stay on top of this and share any new details <3

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

@Rain09654229 No, it's not too late! The ohio board of pharmacy is under review by JCARR for attempting to bypass the regular rule-making process. They will have to go through CSI, JCARR while facing a tremendous amount of public pushback as well as two KCPA bills in committee.

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

@Rain09654229 Thank you! X has been glitching for me so I couldn't see your comments.

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

ATTENTION OHIO ADVOCATES: Ohio Board of Pharmacy to Discuss Rule to Make Natural Kratom Schedule One Today!

📢PLEASE PAY ATTENTION OHIO ADVOCATES 📢

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy has placed Rule 4729:9-1-01.2 (Mitragynine) on the June 8-9 Board agenda under the Rules section. This is the rule associated with scheduling natural kratom in Ohio. While we do not yet know exactly what action the Board intends to take, the fact that this rule is being discussed should be taken seriously. Many Ohioans believed the issue of natural kratom had been separated from the Board's previous actions. The Board previously clarified that its May 19 action was not intended to schedule natural kratom. Now, Rule 4729:9-1-01.2 has returned to the Board agenda, raising important questions about what comes next.

There are several reasons why Ohioans may wish to pay close attention:

• There is ongoing litigation and a Temporary Restraining Order involving the Board's kratom-related actions.

• Two Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) bills remain in committee. These bills represent a regulatory approach focused on age restrictions, testing requirements, labeling standards, and consumer protections rather than prohibition.

• National discussion surrounding kratom continues to evolve. Recent congressional testimony challenged some of the claims that have historically been used to justify scheduling efforts, including testimony that challenged claims surrounding a reported kratom-related death in Ohio.

• The American Kratom Association and other advocates have spent years promoting regulation rather than prohibition and have been active in Ohio policy discussions.

• If the Board advances the rule through the normal rulemaking process, additional review steps remain. Ohio's Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) exists specifically to review agency rules and determine whether agencies have acted within their legal authority and followed required procedures.

• Businesses, consumers, veterans, chronic pain patients, and other stakeholders may continue to raise concerns regarding the impact of scheduling natural kratom.

• There have also been recent discussions at the federal level suggesting that some policymakers are considering regulatory approaches rather than outright prohibition of naturally derived products. "...approving natural 7-OH..."

I personally believe that moving forward with a ban on natural kratom would be scientifically unfounded and oppressive to responsible adults who use natural kratom to sustain well-being and quality of life. To make this herb in the coffee family a schedule 1 drug would ignore years of advocacy for a regulatory approach instead of prohibition.

Ohio Board of Pharmacy Meeting Agenda: https://t.co/ZsNg9OQchG

Now is the time for Ohio consumers, businesses, veterans, advocates, and policymakers to pay attention to what is happening with kratom legislation in Ohio. I know Ohio advocates will fight this tooth and nail. Let's see change for the entire nation starting here!

@LBlessing308 @kristinaroegner @tgavarone @SteveHuffmanOH @BillReineke @JaneTimken @Rob_McColley

@TheKratomAssn @kratomscience @TeamKratom @KratomTimes @MikeOdioso @lorenzforohio @Kpascuch @misteaz79 @TauntonKratom @KratomGuyShow @OhioSenate

#Kratom #KeepKratomLegal #ProtectKratom #KCPA #OhioKratom #SB299 #AmericanKratomAssociation #KratomAdvocacy #KratomSavesLives #VeteransForKratom #ConsumersForKratom #OhioPolitics #OhioLegislature #NaturalKratom #BotanicalFreedom

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

@LNseven5 There was a greatly informative kratom related congressional briefing in DC very recently if you'd like to educate yourself. https://t.co/gi8BTaPw1M

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

ATTENTION OHIO ADVOCATES: Ohio Board of Pharmacy to Discuss Rule to Make Natural Kratom Schedule One Tomorrow!

📢PLEASE PAY ATTENTION OHIO ADVOCATES📢

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy has placed Rule 4729:9-1-01.2 (Mitragynine) on the June 8-9 Board agenda under the Rules section. This is the rule associated with scheduling natural kratom in Ohio. While we do not yet know exactly what action the Board intends to take, the fact that this rule is being discussed should be taken seriously.

Many Ohioans believed the issue of natural kratom had been separated from the Board's previous actions. The Board previously clarified that its May 19 action was not intended to schedule natural kratom. Now, Rule 4729:9-1-01.2 has returned to the Board agenda, raising important questions about what comes next.

There are several reasons why Ohioans may wish to pay close attention:

• There is ongoing litigation and a Temporary Restraining Order involving the Board's kratom-related actions.

• Two Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) bills remain in committee. These bills represent a regulatory approach focused on age restrictions, testing requirements, labeling standards, and consumer protections rather than prohibition.

• National discussion surrounding kratom continues to evolve. Recent congressional testimony challenged some of the claims that have historically been used to justify scheduling efforts, including testimony that challenged claims surrounding a reported kratom-related death in Ohio.

• The American Kratom Association and other advocates have spent years promoting regulation rather than prohibition and have been active in Ohio policy discussions.

• If the Board advances the rule through the normal rulemaking process, additional review steps remain. Ohio's Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) exists specifically to review agency rules and determine whether agencies have acted within their legal authority and followed required procedures.

• Businesses, consumers, veterans, chronic pain patients, and other stakeholders may continue to raise concerns regarding the impact of scheduling natural kratom.

• There have also been recent discussions at the federal level suggesting that some policymakers are considering regulatory approaches rather than outright prohibition of naturally derived products. "...approving natural 7-OH..."

I personally believe that moving forward with a ban on natural kratom would be scientifically unfounded and oppressive to responsible adults who use natural kratom to sustain well-being and quality of life. To make this herb in the coffee family a schedule 1 drug would ignore years of advocacy for a regulatory approach instead of prohibition.

Ohio Board of Pharmacy Meeting Agenda:
https://t.co/TBvUF86i1k

Now is the time for Ohio consumers, businesses, veterans, advocates, and policymakers to pay attention to what is happening with kratom legislation in Ohio. I know Ohio advocates will fight this tooth and nail. Let's see change for the entire nation starting here!

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

@MI_Republicans Please, differentiate between hearsay and the scientific evidence readily available if any would be willing to educate themselves before wrongfully making fear-based decisions which damage the lives of many innocent American citizens. The truth ----> https://t.co/Gz1zByl9p9

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

OFFICIAL TESTIMONY SUBMISSION LINK
https://t.co/OPkenbEHpA
Submit your written testimony there for SB 299.
WITNESS FORM PDF
https://t.co/Rx6rCyuYtc
EMAIL YOUR TESTIMONY PDF + WITNESS FORM PDF AS WELL
Senate General Government Committee contacts:
Kristina Roegner — [email protected] — [phone]
Theresa Gavarone — [email protected] — [phone]
Willis E. Blackshear, Jr. — [email protected] — [phone]
William P. DeMora — [email protected] — [phone]
Stephen A. Huffman — [email protected] — [phone]
Bill Reineke — [email protected] — [phone]
Jane M. Timken — [email protected] — [phone]
Copy/paste email line:
Tip: put one address in the To line and the rest in CC, then attach both PDFs.
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Helpful links:
SB 299 bill page: https://t.co/Xv3g19nKUG
SB 299 committee page: https://t.co/k9BNjTGaSV
Senate General Government Committee page: https://t.co/ZoxJywu3xG
Protect Kratom Ohio: https://t.co/lbStPan7kW
AKA science page: https://t.co/MRooeRitbX

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

📢 VERY GOOD NEWS FOR OHIO: SB 299 (An additional KCPA bill to HB 587) HAS ITS 2ND HEARING ON TUESDAY, MARCH 24 — Let's Keep The Momentum Going

Ohio’s kratom consumer protection bill, SB 299, is moving forward. It is scheduled for its 2nd hearing on March 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the Senate General Government Committee. The Ohio Senate’s upload page for that meeting lists S.B. 299 as an agenda item, and the Ohio Legislature bill page describes SB 299 as legislation regarding the sales of kratom products.

SB 299 represents a regulatory path forward. This bill advances a KCPA-style approach focused on consumer protections, product standards, and lawful adult access to natural kratom. Ohio supporters still have an important opportunity to help build the record in favor of regulation, consumer safety, and continued access.

WHAT SUPPORTERS SHOULD DO NOW
Submit written testimony through the official Senate upload page.
Use the official testimony portal for the March 24, 2026 Senate General Government Committee meeting and select S.B. 299. The page requires your name, email, testimony PDF, whether you are a Proponent/Opponent/Interested Party, and your testimony type.
Also complete the Witness Information Form.
The form asks for your name, whether you are representing yourself or an organization, your contact information, the bill number, your position (Proponent / Opponent / Interested Party), and a brief statement on your position.

Email your materials separately as PDFs.
After completing both documents, send:
your written testimony PDF

your completed witness form PDF
by email to the committee members as an added step to make sure your support is seen.

TESTIMONY INSTRUCTIONS

Write your testimony in support of SB 299

Save it as a PDF

Complete the Witness Information Form
Mark yourself as Proponent

Save that form as a PDF

Submit your testimony through the official Senate upload page

Then email both PDFs separately to the committee members by email Instructions & Links In Comments!

TESTIMONY TEMPLATE

Subject: Proponent Testimony – SB 299

Dear Chair Roegner and Members of the Senate General Government Committee,

My name is [Your Name], and I am writing in support of SB 299. I respectfully urge you to support this bill because responsible regulation of natural kratom is a better approach than prohibition.
[Briefly share your experience and why this bill matters to you. You may wish to include:]

How natural kratom has helped you

Why consumer protections and product standards are important

Why adults should retain access to plain leaf kratom

Why regulation is safer and more effective than a ban

SB 299 offers a practical and responsible framework to protect consumers while preserving access to natural kratom. I respectfully ask for your support.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, State]
[Email]

FINAL MESSAGE

Ohio still has a real opportunity to advance kratom regulation the right way & lead the way for other states to follow an equitable path for U.S. citizens.

Stand up for regulation. Stand up for access. Stand up for consumer protection.
LINKS AND CONTACTS IN COMMENTS

#kratom #kratomcommunity #kratomlife #kratomsaveslives #iamkratom #kratomusa #kratompowder #kratomtea #kratomvendor #kratomshop #wearekratom #keepkratomlegal #kratomlove #kratomlovers #kratomextract #kratomcapsules #kratomamerica #savekratom #kratomonline

@LBlessing308 (Primary sponsor of SB 299 - key senator in charge!)
@kristinaroegner (Chair, Senate General Government Committee - overseeing SB 299 hearings)
@tgavarone (Vice Chair, General Government Committee)
@SteveHuffmanOH (Committee member)
@BillReineke (Committee member)
@JaneTimken (Committee member)

@TheKratomAssn @kratomscience @TeamKratom @KratomTimes @MikeOdioso @lorenzforohio @Kpascuch @misteaz79 @TauntonKratom @KratomGuyShow

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

ACTION LINKS, CONTACTS, AND SCRIPT

Submit testimony (remote, written, or in-person):
https://t.co/Ir5Vg5FeuO
Instructions:
• Click the “Testimony Registration (Remote & In Person)” tab on the page
• Select the form for HB 864 (Mitragynine – Controlled Substances)
• Choose your option (Remote, In-Person, or Written Testimony)
• Fill out the form (Idaho residents should include their Idaho address)
• Select your position as OPPOSED
• Submit your testimony

View bill details and committee information:
https://t.co/zs43QWx11r
CALL THESE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Rep. John Vander Woude: [phone]
Rep. Marco Adam Erickson: [phone]
Rep. Dori Healey: [phone]
Rep. Jordan Redman: [phone]
Rep. Josh Wheeler: [phone]
Rep. Robert Beiswenger: [phone]
Rep. Tanya Burgoyne: [phone]
Rep. Lucas B. Cayler: [phone]
Rep. Ben G. Fuhriman: [phone]
Rep. David J. Leavitt: [phone]
Rep. Lori Ann McCann: [phone]
Rep. Faye Thompson: [phone]
Rep. Don Hall: [phone]
Rep. Steven Tanner: [phone]
Rep. Ilana Rubel: [phone]
Rep. Megan Egbert: [phone]
COPY & PASTE EMAIL LIST
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected]
Instructions:
• Add one email (your choice) in the “To” field
• Add the remaining emails in the “CC” field
• Send emails individually and keep each message respectful and brief
EMAIL SCRIPT (COPY/PASTE)

Subject: Please Vote NO on HB 864
Dear Representative [Last Name],

I am writing to ask you to vote NO on HB 864.

Classifying natural kratom as a Schedule I substance is extreme and would criminalize responsible adults. Many people rely on kratom for pain management, recovery, and quality of life.
Please support a regulatory approach instead of a ban.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, State]
CALL SCRIPT
Hi, my name is [Name] from [City], Idaho. Please vote NO on HB 864.
IMPORTANT
• Keep messages respectful and brief
• Idaho residents should state their city clearly
• Testimony is being accepted until 9:00 AM MT tomorrow
Share this information with anyone in Idaho.

[The Agma @AgmaThe]

🚨UPDATE: Idaho HB 864 Kratom Ban Hearing Happened This Morning – But There's STILL Time! Submit Written Testimony & Email/Call Committee NOW (Testimonies will be heard until March 19th - 9 a.m. MT)
IDAHO KRATOM UPDATE — URGENT ACTION NEEDED

The hearing for HB 864 (kratom ban bill) was NOT concluded today.
The chairman has agreed to continue hearing testimony tomorrow morning until 9:00 AM Mountain Time.
This means there is still time to make your voice heard.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

If passed, HB 864 would classify kratom as a Schedule I substance, making it illegal in Idaho.

This would:
• Criminalize responsible adults
• Remove access for people using kratom for pain management, recovery, or daily functioning
• Set a precedent for other states

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW - CONTACTS & LINKS IN COMMENTS
IDAHO RESIDENTS (MOST IMPORTANT)
Your voice carries the most weight.
• Submit written testimony as soon as possible
• Clearly state you are an Idaho resident and OPPOSE HB 864
• Briefly explain how kratom has helped you or why you support keeping it legal

• Call committee members and ask them to vote NO

• Send individual emails (not mass emails) asking them to vote NO and support regulation instead of a ban

OUT-OF-STATE SUPPORTERS

You still matter.
• Encourage Idaho residents to act now
• Share this post widely
• Help others write testimony
• Raise awareness — this could affect other states next
SIMPLE MESSAGE

Please vote NO on HB 864. Kratom should be regulated, not banned.

DEADLINE

Testimony continues until 9:00 AM MT tomorrow.

This is a critical moment. The committee is closely divided, and additional testimony can make a real difference.

Speak up. Share. Act now.

@johnvanderwoude @redmanforidaho @robbeiswenger @joshCwheeler @IlanaRubel @IDHouseGOP

@TheKratomAssn
@kratomscience
@Kpascuch
@misteaz79
@TauntonKratom
@KratomGuyShow
@TeamKratom
@KratomTimes
@i_love_kratom

#HB864 #SaveKratom #KratomBan #StopTheBan #IdahoKratom #RegulationNotBan #Kratom #IdahoLegislature #ProtectKratom #OpposeHB864 #DontBanKratom #KratomCommunity