Media Swarm

I think y'all know the drill. Add your side of the story, and take the time to be articulate and thoughtful. Punctuation, grammar, and tone really matter, so keep that in mind when you write your response.

http://www.myfoxny.com/story/27726224/kratom-potentially-dangerous-but-legal-herb

A Friend to Kratom

If you're looking to spread the good word about kratom, and ensure that your friends, family, and fellow citizens have a healthy perspective on kratom, look no further than the writings of Paul Kemp. Paul writes many articles about kratom for the NaturalNews Blogs, and his articles are well-researched. I almost always learn something new after reading an article by Mr. Kemp. The more we read and share his links, the higher they will become in search engine rankings. We need resources that show the benefits of kratom to appear high on search engines, so curious people won't only be exposed to "Person Dies Because Due to Drug Overdose But Had Kratom in Their System, So We Must Ban It" articles. Let's keep fighting all that negative attention that the mainstream media likes to create, and thank Mr. Kemp for his efforts!

Proceed with Caution

One of the perils of using your credit card for purchases is credit card theft. I recently tried out a new vendor whose prices and kratom were very good. Several days after receiving my order, there was a fraudulent charge that appeared on our bank statement, charged to the card that I used to purchase from this particular vendor. It wouldn't be fair to disclose the name at this point, because I can't conclusively trace the charge back to the vendor. I'll be reaching out to the vendor to let them know what happened and to try and see if there was a breakdown somewhere on their end. Thankfully, we discovered the charge quickly and were able to close the card in question.

This is a very busy time of year for buying. Keep tabs on your purchases, and be sure that vendors are using the latest SSL encryption to ensure your credit card information is secure. Also, a PCI-compliant vendor is held to higher standards with respect to retention of personally identifying information. Some vendors will advertise PCI compliance, but if you're not sure, a quick e-mail to the vendor can give you the information you need to make a smart purchase.

Another thing that would help keep online transactions safe is for services like PayPal to understand that Kratom is not some kind of dangerous street drug. Though I continue to use PayPal for online purchases, I find their stance regarding Kratom to be abhorrent. It is a stance supported by ignorance alone, and it's disappointing that a modern corporation, presumably designed to make people's lives easier would be so tone-deaf on this issue. I encourage you to take the time to write them a well-thought-out letter about what Kratom has meant to you, and how their stance has affected you.

Happy Holidays to all, and be safe!

The hacker activist group Anonymous hacked the KKK's Twitter account yesterday. For fun, they posted the tweet below, and I got in my daily dose of laughs.

And finally, here's a unicorn :) pic.twitter.com/1QW0ECu4UI

— Ku Klux Klan (@KuKluxKlanUSA) November 18, 2014

Media Alert

As a good steward of the kratom leaf, I think you probably know to take your time, and leave thoughtful comments about your positive kratom experiences in the comments. This battle is an exhausting one, but it's important to let the masses know about kratom's benefits. Remember, be nice! Anger and poor manners only do us a disservice.

http://www.wpbf.com/news/new-street-drugs-defy-law-enforcement-parents/29651106

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!

Tolerance

I've been taking kratom for about three years now, and have been at a consistent dose for most of that time. I average about 15-20g per day. Every month or so, I drop that dose for a couple of days, and consume around 10g per day. I save this reduction in dosage for the weekends, when it's generally more acceptable to be sluggish. This weekend has been one of those weekends, and I actually didn't notice a big difference in my mood or energy level. I got some productive family time in, and tackled one or two items on the honey-do list. The beautiful weather was also very energizing.

Tomorrow, it's back to work and also the end of my on-call rotation (yuck). I'll resume my regular kratom dosage, and won't be tethered to my cell phone, so there's goodness all around. Also? Thursday is the day I place my next order, and I'll have some extra leftover!

How do you keep your tolerance in check? Leave your tips in the comments!

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.

Some "Less Bad" News From Oklahoma

I expected to find another article demonizing kratom, but was pleasantly surprised to find this article had some balance. It's good to see that we have advocates fighting to save kratom, and that the authorities in Oklahoma are taking less of a hard-line, anti-kratom stance. Let's hope that trend continues. Feel free to leave your comments in support of kratom, at the bottom of the article. (Note: I had difficulty signing in/registering to post a comment, but will try again later)

Drug agency monitors kratom use in Oklahoma

Getting Started

On weekend mornings when I'm too lazy to make my morning kratom concoction, I'm reminded of why I incorporated kratom into my life several years ago. Without kratom, I would wake up at 10am on the weekends, be ready for a nap an hour later, and then take another nap in the middle of the afternoon. It's difficult to be a good dad and husband when you are constantly fighting fatigue and the urge to lie down. I don't miss those days, and sometimes regret the times I felt too tired to be fully present during my son's toddler years. Kratom has given me a second chance to be a decent father. I have my flaws, but I'm awake to experience my son's life.

Strains!

I'm really bad about keeping my strains straight. In fact, I can't. Unless it's Bali, I really can't tell you how the strain affects me. Luckily, some folks have put the time to compile a list of strains, and their effects. Yay! I referred to one of these earlier this evening when I was trying to remember which of my current sampling of strains was a good evening strain for relaxation. (Hint: it's an Indo.)

Here they are:

• Kratom Strains Guide: What are the Differences in Popular Strains?: A summary of effects for a good variety of kratom strains.
• Strains, Effects, and Dosage: A chart with brief descriptions of some of the most popular strains, along with common doses.
• Kratom Powder: Bikhuk's summary of strains, doses, and effects.

If you have a good reference to share, pass it along, and I'll add it to this list.

Happy Tuesday!

Red Vein at Night...

There's an old weather adage that helps us make a semi-accurate forecast, based on the sunrise and sunset:

"Red sky at night, sailor's delight; red sky in the morning, sailor's warning."

In other words, look for a stormy day if the sunrise has a red hue. A red sunset, however, supposedly signals that the next day will be a pleasant one.

Substitute "red sky" for "red vein", and we have sage advice for me, and likely others who take kratom. It's taken me a while to understand that Red Vein kratom does not work for me in the way that I need during the daylight hours. It seems to work well as a sedative for me, which is great in the evenings after my son goes to bed. It tends to mean that I fall asleep easier, and end up with a better night's sleep. However, a dose of a red vein kratom in the morning is simply not enough to keep me alert and focused, and is in fact, counterproductive.

Sometimes, it takes time and experimentation to learn the nuances of the ways in which certain stimuli affect one's body chemistry. Kratom is an amazing plant, but understanding one's needs, and how different varieties of kratom address those needs, is essential for maximizing kratom's benefit.

Go Forth and Comment!

This article is out of England, but still worth a comment. As one reader indicated, it's the first result in a Google News search, so there's an additional level of importance.

Leave your comments, and let the world know that kratom is not the demon that it's portrayed to be.

Winchester University student killed by effects of 'legal high'

Kratom and Alcohol

I've found that if I have a bit of kratom after a night of indulging with booze, that the residual effects the next morning aren't quite as bad as they were in my pre-kratom days. At the ripe young age of thirty-eight, I don't necessarily drink to the point where major hangovers are a problem. (I generally stop drinking after I've been told I'm starting to be a pain in the ass.) I'd be interested to know how your relationship with alcohol has changed since you discovered kratom. I've definitely become less of a drinker since discovering kratom. What's your experience?

Sampling a New Vendor

I received my order of Red Vein Borneo powder from Botanical Wellness (formerly Kratom Wellness) today, and am impressed with the quality of the product! It's both relaxing and energizing, so I'm in a very good, productive place right now. I was drawn them by their prices; I was excited by the lower prices, yet concerned that a lower price would mean lower quality product. I ordered one pound of kratom for $95.00, plus $5.00 shipping for a total of an even $100. They're out of Kentucky, so I don't get shipments as fast as I do with local vendors, but I ordered on Thursday morning of last week and received my shipment on Saturday. It will take some more transactions for me to be able to evaluate their customer service, but I'm not picky. If the correct product arrives on time, I'm a happy camper.

Back Pain

I have a recurring problem with my lower back that rears its head from time to time. It typically happens about once per year or two, and my last flare-up was, in fact, probably over two years ago. Today, it decided to pay me a visit. Hello! I've been throwing kratom at it today without much success, though my last dose of about a tablespoon seems to be helping me cope with it. The pain is still apparent, but I'm in somewhat better spirits (definitely a kratom effect), and feel like the pain is less severe. Sure, a nice Soma-Vicodin combo would be great, but I really try to stay away from the synthetics when I can manage the symptoms naturally.

How about you? Is kratom your "go-to" remedy for pain, or do you find kratom largely ineffective for managing pain?

Oops!

It's with great embarrassment that I apologize for the ads that were appearing all over the blog, unbeknownst to me. When I first attempted to set up Ads, they weren't displaying, and I assumed that they either weren't active yet, or I had configured something incorrectly.

It turns that the ad-blocking plugin I have on my browser was doing exactly as it was told, and blocking these ads -- for me! The rest of you (if an ad blocker wasn't getting in the way) were seeing ads all over the place! I apologize for the tacky layout. That issue has been remedied. While I am working on incorporating some ads, please rest assured that they will not be obnoxious, and crammed all over the site.

Again, I'm terribly sorry for that. Enjoy your week!

Kratom Delivery

One of the vendors I use regularly, Mood & Mind, was kind enough to send me some free samples, due to the traffic this blog generates for them. This blog originally started as a single page on my main site. I had no idea that it would become anything useful, much less be seen by more than a few folks. The package arrived today, and in it was included a package of stevia extract powder, and not the kind of stevia you find in your typical grocery store. As Mood & Mind indicates in their description:

PLEASE NOTE!: MOST STORE BOUGHT STEVIA AND ALL STEVIA PACKET PRODUCTS CONTAIN FILLERS (DEXTROSE, MALTODEXTRIN, ETC), BINDERS, OR SWEETENERS SUCH AS ERYTHRITOL THAT DILUTE THE STEVIA. THIS IS NOT THE SAME PRODUCT, AND IS PURE STEVIA EXTRACT! IF YOU ARE ACCUSTOMED TO STEVIA PRODUCTS THAT CONTAINS THESE FILLERS, PURE STEVIA EXTRACT MAY SEEM VERY STRONG. SOME PRODUCTS SUCH AS "NOW" BRAND STEVIA, ETC ARE LABELED "STEVIA EXTRACT", BUT ACTUALLY CONTAIN FILLERS.

Indeed, this is super, super sweet. It's so sweet, in fact, that a quarter of a teaspoon was almost too sweet mixed in with my kratom tea. Needless to say, I'll only be using an eighth of a teaspoon the next time! A little bit goes a long way, and I recommend trying some pure stevia extract the next time you're looking to sweeten your kratom tea!

I am most grateful to Mood & Mind for their generosity.

Insomnia and a Phantom Order

Last night I slept for about two hours, and somehow survived today without falling asleep at work or home. I'm not entirely sure, but I think the combination of kratom and kava I had last night contributed to my poor night's sleep. Note to self: don't do that again(?) I did find that I liked the combination of kava and kratom. I was very relaxed, but also energized. I found kratom to have little effect today, since I seemed to be "wired" and running on adrenaline.

On an unrelated note, I received an e-mail today from one of the vendors I use that my order was processed -- an order that I never placed. In that order were approximately eight items, for a grand total of $0.00. I contacted the vendor to let them know that they had potentially made a clerical error. It sure would be nice to get some free stuff, though.

For My Family

If we're being brutally honest, I found kratom at a time when I was searching for legal psychoactive drugs, about four years ago. I was searching for something that would be somewhat recreational, and also treat my anxiety. I hesitate to admit that I found kratom at a local head shop, which cost half my weekly allowance for three days' worth. (I've since become much more sensible with my kratom purchases.) The first time I tried kratom, I found it interesting, but it wasn't really what I was seeking at the time. Nonetheless, I finished the remainder of the package over the course of the next few days.

After a few days, I started to experience two things that improved:

1. My energy and mood. I was able to stay awake after work, and engage with my wife and son.
2. My acid reflux became a thing of the past.

My lack of energy, and inability to stay awake at both work and at home were a heated point of contention for my wife and me. I knew that I shouldn't feel as exhausted as I did, and had tried a sleep study, along with prescription nighttime sleep aids. The new-found energy began to change my life. I would now come home from work and want to play with my son, instead of fall asleep on the couch. I no longer nodded off at work, which meant an instant increase in productivity. Over the course of the next few months, I found my desire to consume alcohol also decreased (another heated topic for me and my wife).

Four years later, I do sometimes regret the years when I was too tired to be actively engaged with my family, but I continue to take kratom so that I can keep striving to be the best father and husband I can. My professional life has also improved; I'm much more productive, and am learning so much more about my field. Since my drinking has decreased, I still go out with friends, but for the primary purpose of socializing rather than "getting drunk." Oh, and remember that search for recreational, legal psychoactive drugs that started this journey? That search is now a thing of the past.

I use kratom because my family needs an involved husband and father. How about you?

The Good News

In spite of the last article I mentioned, there are glimmers of hope with respect to the way media portrays kratom. Here's one example of reporting that presents a side of kratom that we don't see in mainstream news outlets like FOX, NBC, etc... NaturalNews.com doesn't have quite the same exposure as the major news outlets, and you won't find something like this on WebMD or DrWeil.com (yet), but this one is worth circulating:

Is medicinal herb kratom a safe and effective alternative for treating pain, anxiety and depression?

In The News

Most of us who have experience with kratom are well aware of the misinformation generated from the news media. If I were a conspiracy theorist, I'd argue that these ill-conceived news stories are part of a larger campaign of disinformation that originates from the pharmaceutical companies, but I digress.

This news article out of Ohio is a typical, one-sided portrayal of kratom. There's a pretty standard (and trite) formula that these media outlets employ:

1. Grab the readers with hyperbole/fear-mongering, e.g. "There's a new legal high sweeping the area, and you can find it in your local gas station or convenience store."
2. Brag about your brave, undercover investigation into the dark recesses of a local head shop.
3. Talk to a local bureaucrat/law enforcement official whose job it is to help the news organization generate fear and paranoia.
4. Make a feeble attempt to create "balance" by adding a sentence or two describing an alternative opinion.
5. Ignore any rational, well-thought-out comments that criticize the article.

I'd really like to meet the folks who are getting a "high" from kratom. I won't get to meet them though, because they don't exist. I've had marijuana in the past, so I have somewhat of an idea what it's like to be high. Kratom, it seems to me, would be a huge disappointment for anyone seeking to get high. I encourage you to read the article, and voice your opinion in the comments section. It's a few days old, but you can bet there will be more like this.

Friday

Ah, Friday! I'm not sure kratom was as effective for me today as it can be, but that could be due to lack of sleep and a general feeling of being fed up with the week. Whatever the case, my 7am and noon doses carried me through the day unscathed, though I was still somewhat lethargic.

Tomorrow, we're off to the woods for our first family camping trip. I'm looking forward to disconnecting for a couple of days, and enjoying the wilderness. Have a great one, whatever you're doing!

Powder to Tummy

When I was first researching kratom, I wanted to find out how people were actually consuming kratom. Were they smoking it, eating it, drinking it? It turns out there are a number of different ways that people consume kratom. I've found that kratom mixed in with a cup of tea works very well for me. I prefer chamomile or peppermint, which help mitigate the bitter taste. I recently discovered that low-sodium tomato juice also works very well with kratom, and almost completely masks the bitterness. On most days, though, I'll drink it with a tea, and I've come to accept the bitter taste to the point where it no longer bothers me. I've also found that kratom mixed with Greek yogurt is a tasty snack.

Have any favorite recipes? Feel free to share them with me -- and fellow readers -- in the comments!

Introduction

I am a daily consumer of kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, and first discovered it about three years ago. I could go on ad nauseam about the ways that kratom has helped me, but I already did that here. This blog will attempt to chronicle my life and kratom experiences, with the hope that people will get a better idea of what kratom is, and the types of folks who find the plant to be beneficial. Kratom is often demonized by the media, the federal government (it's on the DEA's drugs of concern list), and state/city governments. I believe that if more people understand about kratom and those who use it, there will be less to demonize.