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Evidence-Based
Policies
We are an alliance of consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to ensuring safe and legal access to traditional leaf kratom for adults worldwide. Our work is centered on scientific research, consumer education, and the development of robust, science-backed regulations.
The kratom landscape is complex, marked by a variety of products with different safety profiles. A critical distinction exists between traditional leaf kratom, which has a long history of human use, and chemically altered extracts or synthetic derivatives. The GKC’s advocacy is exclusively focused on protecting access to unadulterated, traditional leaf kratom.
Four Pillars of Our Mission
Our mission depends on the collaboration of the entire community. Whether you are a consumer, a business owner committed to quality, a scientific expert, or a policymaker, your voice is essential. Together, we can champion consumer protection and ensure the future of leaf kratom is safe and sustainable. Our advocacy is built on four foundational principles that guide our efforts to create a safe and transparent environment for leaf kratom.
Empowering Informed Choices
We believe in the right to make informed health decisions. Our goal is to provide the public with accurate, scientific information about leaf kratom, empowering individuals to navigate their wellness choices with knowledge
Advocating for Safety and Quality
Consumer safety is paramount. We advocate for strict quality and safety standards for all leaf kratom products, ensuring they are well-manufactured, free from adulterants, and accurately labeled
Fostering Community and Collaboration
We cultivate a global community of enthusiasts, experts, and vendors to promote the benefits of leaf kratom and advocate for its responsible use. Through open dialogue, we unify and strengthen our collective voice to maximize our impact.
Driving Research and Progressive Regulation
Our approach is driven by science. We dedicate resources to advance scientific research that supports evidence-based discussions and helps shape fair regulations that prioritize consumer safety over prohibition.
How You Can Help
Your involvement is crucial to advancing sensible leaf kratom policy. The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) provides the resources, data, and framework for effective advocacy, but it is the collective action of our community that creates meaningful change. Whether you are a consumer, business owner, scientist, or policymaker, there are clear and impactful ways to contribute.
For Consumers
Start Simple.
- Educate Yourself: Learn the critical difference between traditional whole-leaf kratom and dangerous synthetic derivatives like 7-hydroxymitragynine.
- Share Accurate Information: Use our fact-based materials to counter misinformation and share your personal story of responsible leaf kratom use.
- Contact Your Representatives: Urge your local and federal legislators to support the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) and other evidence-based regulations.
- Choose Quality Products: Purchase from vendors who adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and provide clear, compliant labeling with alkaloid content.
Get More Involved.
Join Our Advocacy Network: Sign up for updates on legislation and find opportunities to make your voice heard.
Share Your Personal Story: Help educate lawmakers and the public on the importance of preserving access to safe leaf kratom by sharing your experience.
For Businesses
Start Simple.
- Implement Quality Standards: Utilize our Quality Control Guidelines to ensure your products are safe, consistent, and contaminant-free.
- Adopt Model Labeling: Follow our “GKC Perfect Label” standards to provide transparent and compliant product information.
- Review Marketing Practices: Ensure your marketing materials avoid prohibited medical claims and align with our compliant guidelines.
- Protect Consumers: Refuse to sell or market synthetic 7-OH products and implement strict age verification systems.
Get More Involved.
Participate in Industry Initiatives: Engage in programs that promote responsible and ethical commerce.
Contribute to Research: Support funding for scientific research and policy development efforts that protect the entire industry.
For Experts and Researchers
Start Simple.
- Review Our Research: Examine our compiled scientific statements, the FDA’s Single Ascending Dose (SAD) safety study, and the AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook entry on kratom.
- Engage in Professional Networks: Use our evidence-based resources to discuss the actual safety profile and pharmacology of leaf kratom within your professional communities.
- Support Continuing Education: Promote professional education, like the University of Connecticut’s CE course, to help clinicians understand the science of leaf kratom.
Get More Involved.
Contribute to Research: Conduct peer-reviewed research that distinguishes between traditional leaf products, extracts, and synthetic alkaloids.
Participate in Advisory Panels: Join our expert advisory panels to help shape science-based policies and professional guidelines.
For Regulators and Policymakers
Start Simple.
- Access Our Policy Resources: Review our regulatory philosophy and the successful Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) framework implemented in thirteen states.
- Examine Scientific Evidence: Use data from the FDA’s safety research and statements from leading scientists to inform policy.
- Consider Public Opinion: Review polling data from states like Louisiana, where a clear majority of voters support the legal regulation of natural kratom and a ban on synthetic derivatives.
Get More Involved.
Support Balanced Regulation: Champion regulatory frameworks that prioritize consumer protection, quality standards, and age restrictions over outright prohibition.
Pass the KCPA: Engage in legislative efforts at the federal and state levels to pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.
Take Action Today
Every voice matters in the effort to advance evidence-based leaf kratom policy. Together, we can ensure that regulation is grounded in science, protects consumers, and preserves access to leaf kratom for the millions of Americans who use it responsibly.
Downloads
Explore these essential downloadable resources to deepen your understanding and support our advocacy. This curated selection provides data-driven reports, scientific statements, and policy documents that form the foundation of our evidence-based approach to leaf kratom regulation.
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Louisiana Voter Poll on Leaf Kratom Regulation
This report details the findings of a May 2025 Cygnal poll of likely voters in Louisiana, revealing that a clear majority supports the legal regulation of natural leaf kratom while favoring a ban on synthetic derivatives. -
KCAC Position Statement on Leaf Kratom Use in Children
This critical document from the Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC) explains the clear position against the use of leaf kratom by minors, highlighting the risks to developing brains and concerns about products marketed to appeal to children. -
GKC Guidance on Testing, Sampling & Quality Control for Businesses
This comprehensive guide establishes standardized, science-backed procedures for testing, sampling, and quality control that align with the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP). -
December 2024 Congressional Letter to the FDA
This official letter from U.S. Representatives Rich McCormick and Jack Bergman to the FDA Commissioner expresses urgent concern over the marketing of dangerous synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products fraudulently labeled as “kratom.” -
Not All Kratom Is Equal
This clear and concise infographic illustrates the fundamental differences between traditional leaf kratom, concentrated extracts, and dangerous synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products, comparing their potency, origin, and history.
