How to Effectively Advocate for Kratom : A Practical Guide
Kratom advocacy isn't just about speaking out when a ban is proposed—it's about building relationships, sharing evidence, and demonstrating to policymakers that the kratom community is responsible, informed, and committed to both access and safety.
The good news is that advocacy works. In 2016, when the DEA announced its intention to emergency schedule kratom, the community responded with unprecedented coordination. Over 19,000 public comments, thousands of phone calls to legislators, and organized testimony from users, veterans, and healthcare providers convinced the DEA to take the virtually unprecedented step of withdrawing its notice.
That success wasn't accidental. It was the result of effective advocacy—people sharing their stories, presenting evidence, and making their voices heard through official channels. As new regulatory threats emerge, including the FDA's 2025 recommendation to schedule 7-hydroxymitragynine, the kratom community needs to be prepared to advocate effectively once again.
This guide provides practical, actionable strategies for kratom users to participate in advocacy efforts, whether you're contacting legislators for the first time or looking to make your ongoing advocacy more effective.
Why Your Advocacy Matters
Before diving into tactics, it's important to understand why individual advocacy is so powerful.
Legislators respond to constituents. Members of Congress and state legislators pay close attention to input from the people who vote for them. A single phone call from a constituent carries more weight than a thousand social media comments from people outside their district.
Personal stories are irreplaceable. No scientific study can convey what it's like to manage chronic pain with kratom after failed prescription medications. No policy analysis can explain what it means to rebuild your life after using kratom to quit opioids. Your lived experience is unique evidence that policymakers need to hear.
Organized advocacy creates political pressure. When hundreds of constituents contact their legislators about the same issue, it becomes politically significant. Elected officials know that each person who takes time to reach out represents many more who feel the same way but didn't contact them.
Evidence-based advocacy counters misinformation. Much of the anti-kratom narrative relies on mischaracterization and cherry-picked data. When kratom users present balanced, factual information alongside personal testimony, it challenges false assumptions.
Advocacy builds long-term relationships. The most effective advocacy isn't reactive—it's ongoing. Building relationships with legislators and their staff during quiet periods makes it easier to mobilize when urgent issues arise.
The 2016 DEA reversal proved that kratom advocacy can succeed at the highest levels. Your participation in that effort—or your future participation—is critical to protecting kratom access.
Understanding the Legislative Landscape
Effective advocacy requires understanding who makes decisions about kratom and when they make them.
Federal Level
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Has authority to schedule substances under the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA is currently reviewing the FDA's 2025 recommendation to schedule 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Provides scientific recommendations to the DEA regarding scheduling. The FDA also regulates import alerts and can detain kratom products at the border.
Congress: Can pass legislation regarding kratom, direct agencies to conduct research, or restrict agency actions. Federal bills like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act have been introduced but not yet passed.
State Level
State Legislatures: Can ban kratom entirely, regulate it through consumer protection frameworks, or leave it unregulated. Twenty-four states currently have some form of kratom regulation, while six states have complete bans.
State Health Departments: In some states, can issue emergency orders or regulations affecting kratom sales and distribution.
Local Governments: Cities and counties can sometimes enact their own kratom regulations even when states don't have statewide bans (examples: San Diego, Sarasota County).
Understanding this landscape helps you direct your advocacy to the right decision-makers at the right time.
Finding Your Legislators
The first step in advocacy is identifying who represents you.
Federal Legislators
You have three federal legislators: two U.S. Senators (represent your entire state) and one U.S. Representative (represents your specific congressional district).
Find your U.S. Representative: Go to https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative and enter your zip code.
Find your U.S. Senators: Your senators are listed at https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm - find your state.
The American Kratom Association's Protect Kratom site (https://www.protectkratom.org/congress) provides tools to contact federal legislators about kratom-specific issues.
State Legislators
You have at least two state legislators: one state senator and one state representative (or delegate/assemblymember depending on your state).
Find your state legislators: Most states have a "Find My Legislator" tool on their legislature website. Search for "[your state] legislature find my representative" or visit your state government website.
Save their contact information: Make note of your legislators' names, office addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. You'll use this information repeatedly.
Contacting Your Legislators: Best Practices
Once you know who represents you, you need to contact them effectively.
General Principles
Always identify yourself as a constituent. Start every communication with your name and address. Legislators and their staff prioritize communications from constituents who can vote for them.
Be brief and specific. Legislators receive hundreds of communications daily. Get to your point quickly—ideally in one page for written communications or 2-3 minutes for phone calls.
Focus on one issue per contact. Don't combine kratom advocacy with other issues. Each communication should address a single, clear ask.
Be professional and respectful. Even if you're frustrated with a legislator's position, hostile or rude communication will undermine your message. Maintain professionalism at all times.
Follow up. If you don't receive a response within two weeks, follow up politely. If you do receive a response, send a brief thank-you note acknowledging their reply.
Build relationships over time. Don't only contact legislators when you need something. Occasionally send a brief note thanking them for positions they've taken or work they've done.
Phone Calls
Phone calls are one of the most effective advocacy tools, especially when time is urgent.
Call the local district office, not the DC office. For federal legislators, the local office is more accessible and often more responsive than the Washington DC office.
Prepare a brief script. Write down your key points before calling. Example:
"Hello, my name is [Name] and I'm a constituent in [City/Town]. I'm calling to ask [Legislator Name] to oppose any federal scheduling of kratom. I use kratom to manage chronic pain, and it has allowed me to avoid prescription opioids. The FDA's recent 7-OH recommendation targets concentrated products, not traditional kratom leaf. I urge [Legislator Name] to support distinctions between concentrated 7-OH and natural kratom in any regulatory action. Can I count on [Legislator Name]'s support?"
Expect to speak with staff. You'll rarely speak directly to the legislator. That's okay—staff relay constituent input to the legislator and often have significant influence.
Be prepared to leave a message. If you reach voicemail, leave your name, city, phone number, and a brief message (30 seconds or less).
Ask for a position. If speaking with staff, ask: "What is [Legislator Name]'s position on kratom regulation?" This signals that you'll follow up and hold them accountable.
Emails and Letters
Written communication allows for more detail than phone calls and creates a permanent record.
Use email for urgent issues, letters for longer-term advocacy. Email reaches legislators faster. Physical letters demonstrate more effort and often receive more attention from staff.
Include your full contact information. Name, address, phone number, and email. This confirms you're a constituent.
State your position clearly in the first paragraph. Example: "I am writing to urge you to oppose federal scheduling of kratom and support clear distinctions between concentrated 7-OH products and traditional kratom leaf."
Provide specific personal testimony. Share your story briefly (2-3 paragraphs): why you use kratom, what alternatives you tried, and how kratom has improved your life.
Make a specific ask. What do you want the legislator to do? "I urge you to submit a public comment to the DEA supporting exemptions for natural kratom" or "I ask you to co-sponsor the federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act."
Close with a request for response. "I would appreciate a reply explaining your position on this issue."
Example email structure:
Subject: Constituent Request - Oppose Kratom Scheduling
Dear Representative [Name],
My name is [Name] and I am your constituent in [City]. I am writing to urge you to oppose any federal scheduling of natural kratom and support clear regulatory distinctions between concentrated 7-OH products and traditional kratom leaf.
I have used kratom for [time period] to manage [condition]. Before kratom, I tried [alternatives], but experienced [side effects/problems]. Kratom has allowed me to [work, care for family, maintain quality of life].
The FDA's recent recommendation targets concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products, not the traditional kratom leaf powder that I and millions of Americans use. I support regulation of concentrated products but ask that you ensure any regulatory action preserves access to natural kratom.
I am also a participant in the Log & Taper It kratom research study, contributing data to help policymakers make evidence-based decisions.
I respectfully request that you:
1. Submit comments to the DEA supporting exemptions for natural kratom
2. Co-sponsor federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act legislation if introduced
3. Monitor this issue and advocate for balanced regulation
I would appreciate a response explaining your position on kratom regulation. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone]
[Your Email]
In-Person Meetings
Meeting legislators or their staff face-to-face is the most impactful form of advocacy, though also the most time-intensive.
Request meetings during district work periods. When Congress or state legislatures aren't in session, legislators spend more time in their home districts and are more accessible.
Meet with staff if the legislator isn't available. Legislative staff often have deep expertise in specific policy areas and significant influence on the legislator's positions.
Prepare thoroughly. Research the legislator's prior statements on kratom or related drug policy. Prepare a one-page fact sheet to leave behind.
Bring your story but also bring data. Personal testimony is powerful, but supplement it with research findings. If you participate in the Log & Taper It research study, mention this and explain how the research addresses evidence gaps.
Listen as much as you talk. Ask about the legislator's concerns and address them directly. If the legislator opposes kratom, understanding why is the first step to changing their mind.
Follow up after the meeting. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, reiterating your key points and providing any additional information you promised.
Participating in Public Comment Periods
Public comments to federal agencies like the DEA are among the most powerful advocacy tools available. We've created a complete guide to submitting DEA public comments that covers this process in detail.
Key points for public comments:
- Comments become part of the official administrative record
- Agencies are legally required to review and respond to substantive comments
- Quality matters more than quantity—one well-reasoned comment can influence policy
- Personal testimony combined with evidence is most effective
- The 2016 kratom success proves public comments work
When the DEA opens the public comment period for the 7-OH scheduling review, submitting a comment should be a priority for every kratom user. The comment period will likely run 30-90 days, and you can submit through https://www.regulations.gov.
Supporting Kratom Advocacy Organizations
Individual advocacy is essential, but organized advocacy through established organizations amplifies your impact.
American Kratom Association (AKA)
The AKA (https://www.americankratom.org) is the primary national organization advocating for kratom at federal and state levels.
What the AKA does:
- Lobbies Congress and federal agencies
- Provides testimony at state legislative hearings
- Develops model Kratom Consumer Protection Act legislation
- Coordinates rapid response to legislative threats
- Maintains the GMP Standards Program for vendor quality
- Provides resources and talking points for grassroots advocacy
How you can support:
- Sign up for email alerts about legislative threats
- Participate in coordinated advocacy campaigns
- Donate to support lobbying efforts
- Share AKA resources with other kratom users
Protect Kratom
Protect Kratom (https://www.protectkratom.org) is the AKA's grassroots advocacy platform.
What Protect Kratom offers:
- Tools to contact federal legislators
- State-specific advocacy alerts and resources
- Templates for letters and emails (customize these—don't copy verbatim)
- Updates on pending legislation
- Congressional contact database
Key actions on Protect Kratom:
- Sign up for your state's advocacy alerts
- Use the "Contact Congress" tool during federal campaigns
- Share advocacy opportunities on social media
- Track legislative developments in your state
State and Local Organizations
Many states have kratom-specific advocacy organizations. Search for "[your state] kratom association" or "[your state] kratom advocacy" to find local groups.
Supporting these organizations amplifies your impact beyond what you can achieve individually.
Leveraging Social Media Responsibly
Social media can support kratom advocacy, but it requires careful, strategic use.
Best Practices
Share factual, evidence-based information. Post links to research studies, advocacy guides, and official statements from organizations like the AKA. Avoid sensationalized or misleading content.
Use personal stories strategically. Sharing your experience with kratom can humanize the issue, but maintain privacy and professionalism. Don't overshare medical details or make unsupported claims.
Amplify official advocacy campaigns. When the AKA or Protect Kratom launches a campaign, share their posts and encourage others to participate.
Engage respectfully with critics. Hostile arguments on social media don't persuade anyone. If you engage with anti-kratom content, be factual and respectful.
Use hashtags strategically. #IAmKratom, #ProtectKratom, #KeepKratomLegal, and similar tags help build community and visibility.
Tag legislators when appropriate. If you're sharing why kratom matters to you, tagging your legislators can bring the issue to their attention. Don't spam or harass—one thoughtful tag is more effective than dozens of aggressive ones.
What to Avoid
Don't make medical claims. Claiming kratom "cures" conditions or is "proven" to treat specific diseases can undermine advocacy and may violate FDA regulations.
Don't attack regulators or legislators personally. Criticize positions and policies, but personal attacks make the entire community look unreasonable.
Don't spread conspiracy theories. Claims about pharmaceutical companies orchestrating kratom bans or other conspiracy narratives hurt credibility.
Don't share unverified information. Before sharing news about kratom legislation or regulation, verify it through official sources like the AKA, government websites, or reputable news outlets.
Don't encourage illegal activity. Comments suggesting people ignore potential bans or engage in civil disobedience harm the community's reputation.
Social media should complement formal advocacy—it's not a replacement for contacting legislators, submitting public comments, or participating in official processes.
Research Participation as Advocacy
One of the most powerful forms of kratom advocacy is participating in research that generates the evidence policymakers need for informed decisions.
Why Research Participation Matters for Advocacy
It addresses the "no research" argument. Anti-kratom advocates frequently claim there's insufficient research on kratom. When you participate in the Log & Taper It kratom research study, you're directly refuting this claim.
It provides data regulators need. Agencies making scheduling decisions need to know: What are typical use patterns? What effects do users experience? What percentage develop problematic use? How does use evolve over time? Research participation answers these questions.
It demonstrates community responsibility. Research participation shows that kratom users are proactive about safety and evidence generation, not just defensive about access.
It strengthens your personal advocacy. When you contact legislators or submit public comments, mentioning your research participation establishes credibility. You're not just defending your kratom use—you're contributing to the scientific record.
How to Integrate Research Participation into Advocacy
When contacting legislators, include a sentence like:
"I participate in the Log & Taper It kratom research study, where I log every dose in real-time and document effects through standardized tags. This research is creating the comprehensive, longitudinal dataset that previous kratom studies have lacked."
When submitting public comments to agencies:
"My participation in kratom research includes logging over [X] doses, contributing to a dataset of thousands of users across all 50 states. This research directly addresses the evidence gaps that regulators cite when evaluating kratom."
When speaking at hearings or meetings:
"I'm not asking you to take my word alone. I'm contributing to scientific research that will provide the data policymakers need. To date, I've logged [X] doses with detailed effects documentation."
If you're not yet participating in the research, consider joining the study. Free access is available through the sponsorship system, or you can support research through donations that fund participation for others.
Testifying at Hearings
When kratom legislation is under consideration at state or local levels, public hearings provide opportunities for formal testimony.
Preparing for Testimony
Register to testify in advance. Most hearings require advance registration. Contact the committee staff to determine the process and deadline.
Prepare written testimony. Even if you'll testify orally, submit written testimony that provides more detail. Written testimony becomes part of the official record.
Practice your oral testimony. You'll likely have 2-3 minutes to speak. Practice to ensure you stay within the time limit and hit your key points.
Anticipate questions. Committee members may ask questions after your testimony. Prepare for common challenges: "Isn't kratom an opioid?" "What about kratom deaths?" "Why shouldn't we ban it like other states?"
Dress professionally. Hearings are formal proceedings. Business attire demonstrates respect for the process.
Delivering Effective Testimony
Introduce yourself and establish credibility. State your name, city, and why you're qualified to speak on this issue (kratom user, healthcare provider, researcher, etc.).
Lead with your most important point. Don't bury your main message. Start with your key argument.
Use personal narrative strategically. Personal stories are powerful, but blend them with factual information. "I use kratom to manage fibromyalgia, which affects an estimated 4 million Americans..."
Address concerns directly. If you know legislators are worried about specific issues (youth access, product quality, abuse potential), address these proactively.
Make a clear ask. What do you want the committee to do? "I urge you to vote yes on this Kratom Consumer Protection Act" or "I ask you to vote no on this ban."
Thank the committee. Always close by thanking committee members for their time and consideration.
Example testimony structure (2-3 minutes):
"Good morning. My name is [Name], I'm from [City], and I'm a constituent of Representative [Name]. I'm here to urge you to support the Kratom Consumer Protection Act rather than pursue a ban.
I've used kratom for five years to manage chronic pain from a degenerative disc condition. Before kratom, I was prescribed oxycodone, which caused severe side effects and left me unable to work. Kratom provides comparable pain relief without cognitive impairment, allowing me to maintain employment and care for my family.
I'm not here to claim kratom is risk-free. Like any substance, it requires responsible use. That's exactly why the KCPA makes sense—it establishes age restrictions, requires lab testing for contaminants, and mandates accurate labeling. This addresses legitimate safety concerns without eliminating access for the millions of Americans who use kratom responsibly.
I also participate in the Log & Taper It research study, contributing data to help policymakers make evidence-based decisions. I've logged over 800 doses with detailed effects documentation.
I respectfully urge you to support regulation that ensures product safety while preserving access. Thank you for your consideration."
Addressing Common Concerns and Objections
Effective advocacy requires addressing the concerns that drive anti-kratom sentiment.
"Kratom is an opioid"
Response: Kratom's primary alkaloids interact with opioid receptors, but so do many substances including some foods. Mitragynine is a partial agonist, meaning it has a ceiling effect that limits abuse potential and respiratory depression risk. Unlike full opioid agonists like fentanyl or morphine, kratom doesn't produce the same level of respiratory depression. Regulatory classification should be based on overall safety profile and public health impact, not solely on receptor interaction.
"People have died from kratom"
Response: The vast majority of kratom-related deaths involved polydrug use—multiple substances present in toxicology. There are no confirmed cases of death from kratom alone in otherwise healthy individuals. By comparison, the U.S. sees 47,000 opioid overdose deaths annually. Context matters. Additionally, contaminated or adulterated products—not pure kratom—account for many reported issues, which is exactly why quality standards like the KCPA are important.
"There's no research on kratom"
Response: While more research is needed, existing studies provide important insights. The Johns Hopkins 2020 study of users found less than 3% met criteria for moderate/severe substance use disorder. More importantly, new research initiatives like the Log & Taper It study are generating comprehensive, real-time data from thousands of users. The solution to limited research is to support more research, not to ban the substance.
"Why not just use FDA-approved medications?"
Response: Many kratom users have tried FDA-approved alternatives and experienced intolerable side effects, lack of efficacy, or access barriers. Prescription opioids, while effective for pain, carry high addiction potential and have fueled the current opioid crisis. For many people, kratom provides a middle ground—effective symptom management with a more favorable side effect profile than alternatives.
"Other states have banned it"
Response: Six states have banned kratom, but 24 states have implemented regulatory frameworks that preserve access while addressing safety. These states recognized that prohibition pushes users to unregulated markets or more dangerous alternatives. Regulation—not prohibition—protects consumers while preserving access for responsible adult use.
Having prepared responses to these common objections makes you a more effective advocate.
Building Long-Term Advocacy Skills
Advocacy isn't just about responding to immediate threats—it's about building skills and relationships that create long-term protection for kratom access.
Develop Subject Matter Expertise
Stay informed about research. Follow scientific publications on kratom. Subscribe to the AKA newsletter. Understand both the benefits and risks that research has identified.
Understand the regulatory landscape. Know the difference between DEA scheduling, FDA regulation, and state legislation. Understand how each process works.
Learn policy terminology. Familiarize yourself with terms like "scheduling," "KCPA," "GMP standards," "alkaloid content," etc. Speaking the language of policymakers increases your credibility.
Cultivate Relationships
Connect with other advocates in your state. Join state kratom advocacy groups. Coordinate with other constituents when contacting legislators.
Build relationships with legislative staff. Staff members handle the day-to-day work of legislation and often have significant influence. Getting to know relevant staff members increases your effectiveness.
Network with other stakeholders. Connect with harm reduction organizations, chronic pain advocacy groups, and veteran organizations that share overlapping interests.
Track Your Impact
Keep records of your advocacy actions. Document when you contacted legislators, what you said, and what responses you received. This helps you refine your approach over time.
Follow legislative outcomes. When you advocate for or against specific bills, track what happens. Understanding which strategies succeed helps you improve.
Share lessons learned. If you develop effective advocacy tactics, share them with other kratom users through forums, social media, or local advocacy groups.
Mobilizing During Crisis Moments
While ongoing advocacy builds long-term protection, certain moments require rapid, coordinated response.
Recognizing Crisis Moments
- DEA scheduling announcements or public comment periods
- State legislation proposing kratom bans
- FDA import alerts or regulatory actions
- Local bans or emergency orders
- Negative media coverage that could influence public opinion
Rapid Response Strategies
Monitor AKA and Protect Kratom alerts. Sign up for email notifications so you learn about threats quickly.
Act immediately. During crises, time matters. Contact legislators within 24-48 hours of learning about threats.
Coordinate with other advocates. When crisis moments arise, organized advocacy is more effective than scattered individual efforts. Follow AKA guidance on coordinated response.
Prioritize high-impact actions. During crisis, focus on: (1) submitting public comments if a comment period is open, (2) calling legislators' offices, (3) organizing in-person meetings if possible.
Amplify without panicking. Share urgent action alerts, but avoid hyperbole or panic. "The DEA is reviewing scheduling recommendations—submit your public comment now" is more effective than "They're banning kratom tomorrow!"
Post-Crisis Follow-Up
After crisis moments pass:
- Thank legislators who supported kratom or submitted supportive comments
- Analyze what worked and what didn't in the advocacy response
- Return to long-term relationship-building to prepare for future threats
- Continue participating in research to strengthen the evidence base
Common Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-intentioned advocacy can backfire if approached poorly.
Mistake 1: Only advocating during crises
Why it's a problem: Reactive advocacy lacks the relationships and credibility that make advocacy effective.
Better approach: Build ongoing relationships with legislators. Contact them during quiet periods to thank them for positions they've taken or simply introduce yourself as a constituent who cares about kratom policy.
Mistake 2: Being hostile or aggressive
Why it's a problem: Hostile communication makes legislators less receptive and damages the kratom community's reputation.
Better approach: Remain professional and respectful even when frustrated. Criticize positions and policies, not people.
Mistake 3: Making unsupported medical claims
Why it's a problem: Claiming kratom "cures" diseases or making other unsupported claims can violate regulations and undermine credibility.
Better approach: Stick to personal experience and cite research when discussing kratom's effects. "In my experience, kratom has been effective for managing pain" is appropriate. "Kratom cures chronic pain" is not.
Mistake 4: Sending copy-paste form letters
Why it's a problem: Legislators and staff recognize form letters and give them less weight than personalized communications.
Better approach: Use templates as guides, but personalize every communication with your own story and specific local details.
Mistake 5: Ignoring local and state advocacy
Why it's a problem: Most kratom bans happen at state and local levels, not federal. Focusing only on federal advocacy misses critical threats.
Better approach: Monitor both federal and state developments. Join state-specific advocacy groups and contact state legislators regularly.
Mistake 6: Failing to follow up
Why it's a problem: Advocacy is often a long process. Single contacts rarely change minds. Lack of follow-up signals that the issue isn't actually important to you.
Better approach: Follow up on unanswered communications. Thank legislators who respond. Continue periodic contact on kratom issues.
Mistake 7: Not participating in research
Why it's a problem: The "no research" argument is one of the strongest weapons against kratom. When users don't participate in available research, they validate this criticism.
Better approach: Join the Log & Taper It research study and mention your participation in advocacy communications. Research participation is advocacy.
Your Next Steps
Effective kratom advocacy doesn't require expertise or political connections—it requires commitment, honesty, and consistent action.
Here's how to start:
- Find your legislators using the tools mentioned earlier and save their contact information
- Join advocacy organizations - sign up for AKA and Protect Kratom email alerts
- Make your first contact - send a brief email to your legislators introducing yourself as a kratom-using constituent
- Participate in research - join the Log & Taper It study to contribute to evidence generation
- Stay informed - follow kratom news and be ready to act when the 7-OH public comment period opens
- Share this guide with other kratom users who want to advocate but don't know where to start
The 2016 DEA reversal proved that kratom advocacy works. Your voice, combined with thousands of others, can protect kratom access for the millions of Americans who depend on it.
When you advocate, you're not just protecting your own access—you're protecting access for the veteran managing PTSD, the chronic pain patient avoiding opioids, the recovering addict using kratom for harm reduction, and the millions of others whose lives have been improved by this botanical.
Your advocacy matters. Start today.
