Advocacy
Advocacy is the heart of our mission at the
Global Kratom Coalition.
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Committed to preserving safe access
Through education, legislative support, and public awareness, we empower individuals to make informed health decisions about kratom. Our commitment ensures that safety, quality, and accurate information are at the forefront of the global conversation. Below, explore key resources and initiatives driving our advocacy efforts.
How To Be An Advocate
Making a difference starts with knowledge and action. Learn the essentials of advocacy, from engaging with your local community to building awareness on social media. This guide equips you to champion the safe and informed use of kratom effectively.
7 Steps To Kratom Lobbying
Lobbying can be intimidating, but we’ve simplified the process into seven actionable steps. From identifying your representatives to crafting persuasive messages and organizing meetings, this section guides you through becoming a strong voice for kratom in legislative discussions.
Advocacy
Quick Links
Restricted Zip Codes
Find out if kratom is legal in your area with our comprehensive location-based guide. This tool helps consumers verify local regulations and restrictions, ensuring compliance with state and municipal laws while staying informed about access limitations in specific regions.
Kratom Regulation Map
Explore the current regulatory landscape across the United States with our interactive map showing where the Kratom Consumer Protection Act is in effect, pending legislation, and varying state approaches. Track regulatory progress and understand how different jurisdictions are implementing evidence-based kratom policies.
The Evolution of Kratom
Discover kratom’s journey from traditional Southeast Asian use to modern American regulation through our comprehensive timeline. Learn about key scientific discoveries, regulatory milestones, advocacy victories, and the ongoing development of responsible kratom policies from 1839 to today.
Check Out Our Libraries
Our Network
The Global Kratom Coalition brings together a diverse network of dedicated professionals, researchers, and advocates who share our commitment to advancing kratom science, safety, and accessibility. Our collaborative approach unites consumer voices with academic expertise, industry knowledge, and policy experience to create meaningful change. From grassroots advocates sharing real-world experiences to PhD-level researchers conducting cutting-edge studies, each member of our network contributes unique perspectives that strengthen our mission. Together, we work to ensure that kratom policy is grounded in evidence, consumer protection remains paramount, and access to quality kratom products is preserved for responsible adult use worldwide.
Matthew Lowe
Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition, Matthew Lowe spearheads collaborative efforts with regulators to protect consumers through science-based policy.
Dr. C. Michael White
Inaugural Chairman of the KCAC, Dr. C. Michael White is a clinical pharmacologist dedicated to evidence-based discussions on leaf kratom.
Learn About Kratom
An in-depth educational course on the pharmacology, chemistry, and safety of kratom. Dr. Erin Berthold leads five comprehensive modules designed to provide evidence-based knowledge about kratom’s effects, metabolism, and interactions.
Dr. Erin Berthold
Dr. Erin Berthold is a research scientist specializing in plant biochemistry and pharmacology. With a PhD investigating kratom’s interactions with cannabidiol in preclinical models of pain and addiction, she brings expert insights into the science of kratom.
KCAC Position Papers
Expert Policy Guidance from the KCAC
Comprehensive position statements addressing the most critical issues in kratom regulation, consumer safety, and market integrity. Led by Chairman Dr. C. Michael White, the KCAC produces evidence-based recommendations that inform policy and protect consumers.
Dr. C. Michael White
Dr. C. Michael White is an internationally respected clinical pharmacologist and pharmacist serving as the inaugural Chairman of the KCAC. He has published extensive reviews on kratom and directed an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality-designated Evidence-based Practice Center for over a decade.
Your Comprehensive Resource Library
Navigate effortlessly between General, Scientific, Legal and Regulatory and Product Safety resources— with just a single click. Join the fight against misinformation by sharing fascinating facts you discover. Simply hit ‘Download’ to receive the knowledge and invite others to explore our rich repository of information!
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2024 Kratom Consumer Survey
This survey review offers key insights into the kratom user base, revealing who they are, why they use kratom, and their perspectives on its health effects. -
The Evolution of Kratom: A Historical Timeline
An infographic tracing kratom’s journey from its traditional origins in Southeast Asia to its current complex legal and political landscape in the United States. -
Not All Kratom Is Equal
An infographic of clear visual guide comparing the potency, history, alkaloid sources, and common product forms of leaf kratom, kratom extract, and synthetic 7. -
The Differences Between Kratom Products
A detailed diagram visual comparison of leaf kratom, extracts, and synthetic “kratom,” highlighting distinctions in their market entry, alkaloid profiles, and appropriate regulatory approaches. -
Kratom Safety, Taxonomy, and Regulation
Provides a general overview of kratom, addressing common confusion between product types and outlining the GKC’s goals for a safe and regulated marketplace.
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2024 FDA Study: Kratom Dosing & Safety Results
A summary of an FDA-commissioned study that found controlled servings of dried leaf kratom were generally well-tolerated and resulted in no serious adverse events. -
FDA Pilot Study: Updates on Kratom Alkaloid Research
A presentation from the FDA detailing updates on its pilot dose-finding study of kratom alkaloids, including study design, preliminary observations, and next steps. -
Scientists’ Statement on 7-OH and MGPI Products
A statement from leading scientists clarifying that products with high amounts of 7-OH and MGPI are synthetic and do not constitute natural kratom. -
Scientific Statement on Kratom Products
An overview by scientists covering the history of kratom use, its current regulatory status, and the scientific understanding of its effects in the United States. -
Comprehensive Report on Substance Use Disorders
A detailed analysis comparing the prevalence, severity, and symptoms of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) associated with kratom, caffeine, alcohol, opioids, and other substances. -
The Science of Leaf Kratom: Psychoactive Effects
This document reviews scientific evidence on leaf kratom’s effects, refuting claims about cognitive impairment and abuse potential while clarifying its atypical opioid profile. -
2024 FDA Pilot Study on Kratom Dose Response
Details of the FDA’s pilot study evaluating the effects, safety, and pharmacokinetics of orally administered botanical kratom in non-dependent, recreational polydrug users. - Show more
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Congressional Letter to the FDA on Kratom
A letter from members of Congress to the FDA expressing concerns about mislabeled kratom products and requesting information on consumer protection measures. -
GKC Letter to FDA on Public Safety Guidance
A letter from the Global Kratom Coalition to the FDA, expressing a desire to collaborate on public safety guidance for kratom products and regulatory approaches. -
Louisiana Voter Poll on Kratom Regulation
This poll assesses public opinion in Louisiana regarding kratom’s legality and regulation, including support for banning synthetic drugs while keeping leaf kratom accessible. -
List of Banned Zip Codes: USA
A data file listing zip codes across the country where the sale, possession, or distribution of kratom is currently illegal. -
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KCAC Position: Registration of Kratom Products
This statement advocates for a public registry of kratom vendors and products to ensure transparency, accountability, and a safer market for consumers. -
GKC Statement on Synthetic 7-OH Products
The GKC clarifies its opposition to synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, arguing they are not kratom and should be regulated as new drugs, not supplements. -
KCAC Position: Status and Legality of 7-OH Products
This KCAC statement discusses the legal and regulatory status of 7-OH products, arguing they are not “kratom” and require a distinct regulatory approach. - Show more
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The Severity and Prevalence of Addictive Substances
This infographic visually compares Substance Use Disorder (SUD) severity and prevalence across various substances, including kratom, heroin, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. -
Comparative Safety Analysis of Kratom
This document provides a comparative risk analysis of kratom versus other legal and illicit substances, using data from the FDA and poison control centers. -
Contaminants in 7-Hydroxy Mitragynine Products Report
A detailed report identifying synthetic alkaloid contaminants found in 7-Hydroxymitragynine products and discussing the serious implications for regulatory oversight and consumer safety. -
Botanical Safety Handbook: Kratom Entry
An entry for Mitragyna speciosa from the American Herbal Products Association’s handbook, providing safety classifications, contraindications, and potential drug interactions for kratom leaf. -
Debunking Myths About “7”: The Facts
A fact sheet refuting misleading claims about “7” (a synthetic substance), arguing that it is not natural kratom, is not safe, and is deceptively marketed. -
In-Depth: Debunking Myths About “7”
A more detailed version of the fact sheet refuting claims about “7,” providing comprehensive evidence that it is a dangerous, unapproved, and illegal synthetic drug. -
KCAC Position: Proper Labeling of Kratom
This statement advocates for the importance of clear, comprehensive labeling on kratom products to ensure consumer safety and outlines essential information that should be included. -
KCAC Position: Kratom Use in Children
This statement outlines concerns about kratom use by minors, highlighting potential adverse events and the issue of products being marketed in ways that appeal to children. -
UCONN Continuing Education: Kratom Course for Pharmacists
An educational program from the UCONN School of Pharmacy designed to inform pharmacists about natural kratom, its effects, and key points for patient education. -
The Fourth Wave of the Opioid Epidemic
This presentation warns of a potential “fourth wave” of the opioid crisis driven by dangerous and addictive synthetic opioid stimulators, arguing they must be banned. -
Fact Check: “Synthetic 7” and the Opioid Crisis
This KCAC statement fact-checks and refutes misleading claims that the sale of “synthetic 7” products has reduced opioid-related deaths, citing a lack of evidence. -
GKC Perfect Label – Kratom Product Label Guidelines
This document from the Global Kratom Coalition provides comprehensive guidelines for labeling kratom products to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance. - Show more