Our lives were forever altered when my son, Zachary Young, passed away at the young age of 27. His death was unexpected and devastating, stemming from the use of Kratom—a substance easily bought at gas stations and through mail order, which Zachary was led to believe was safe.

Kratom, a plant-based substance often marketed as a harmless herbal supplement, has increasingly been associated with numerous adverse effects, including addiction, liver damage, and in extreme cases, death. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Kratom can cause dangerous side effects, including seizures and hallucinations, and its interaction with other substances can prove to be life-threatening.

Despite these risks, Kratom remains legal and readily available in Oklahoma, with little to no regulation on its distribution or use. This lack of oversight poses a severe risk not only to the unsuspecting general public but to our youth, who may fall victim to its dangers, just as Zachary did.

It's imperative that we act now to prevent more families from experiencing such a tragedy. We're calling on lawmakers in Oklahoma to ban the sale and distribution of Kratom. This measure would help protect our community from the harmful effects of this drug and send a clear message about the importance of public health and safety.

Please, for the sake of our loved ones, join us in urging Oklahoma's government officials to take action against Kratom. Enacting a ban could save countless lives and spare other families the heartache that my family endures each day.

Sign this petition to demand a life-saving change in Oklahoma's legislation and protect those who could be harmed by Kratom.