LETTER: Kratom changed her life, state should remove ban on its sale

To Ozaukee Press:

I am a nurse practitioner but retired early due to my disabilities. By 2015, I had severe pain, fatigue and couldn’t stand for long periods. I was then diagnosed with several rare congenital disorders.

I couldn’t find a low-risk, tolerable way to control my pain. After brain surgery, I could only tolerate opioids for a short time. I am extremely drug sensitive, with even over-the-counter medications causing adverse side effects.

Finally, my son told me about kratom. I say that I gave him life, but he gave me mine back. Although I am limited, my comfort level has improved significantly.

Kratom is popular for increasing energy, managing anxiety and depression and alleviating withdrawal symptoms. The science speaks for itself; research has shown that kratom is considerably safer than opioids and it is critical that it is regulated to keep consumers safe from adulterated products.

I spend time in Illinois away from my husband because I can’t purchase kratom in Wisconsin, and I need to maintain a healthy level of activity. I implore the Wisconsin Controlled Substances Board to make their decision based on the scientific evidence on kratom’s safety and help people who are struggling like me.

Heidi Sykora

Grafton

Editor’s note: Wisconsin is one of only six states that ban the sale of kratom. It is legally sold in all other states, four of which regulate its sale. According to the FDA website, “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, a plant which grows naturally in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. FDA is concerned that kratom, which affects the same opioid brain receptors as morphine, appears to have properties that expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse and dependence.”