My youngest son, Kevin Wynes, a loving and vibrant 31 year old father of a 3 year old, Harper,  tragically lost his life due to the harmful effects of kratom. This devastating event has left a permanent void in our family and is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by this unregulated substance. Unfortunately, our story is not unique; countless families across the country have been shattered by the effects of this drug.

Kratom, a substance classified as a herbal supplement, is easily accessible and often perceived as safe. However, according to the FDA, kratom has been linked to serious health concerns, including addiction, liver damage, and even death. Despite these risks, kratom remains legal and widely available, often sold in retail outlets and online without appropriate regulation or warnings.

In 2017, the FDA issued a public health advisory concerning the potential dangers of kratom, and the CDC reported that overdoses related to kratom have more than tripled. These alarming statistics reveal a pressing public health crisis.

The time for change is long overdue. We are calling on lawmakers, health authorities, and regulatory bodies to take immediate action and ban the sale of kratom. By doing so, we can protect our communities and prevent other families from experiencing the pain and loss that we have endured.

We propose that kratom be categorized under controlled substances, ensuring stricter regulation and removal from commercial availability. This would greatly reduce the risk of accidental overdoses and ease the burden on our healthcare system.

Join us in advocating for a safer future for our children and communities. Your signature can help save lives and protect others from the devastating impact of kratom. Please sign this petition and demand that action is taken to ban the sale of kratom.