DEA Kratom ban still not in effect

Kratom Ban Still Not In Effect:

Kratom protest in Chicago. Over 140,000 Americans signed the Whitehouse.Gov's petetion to keep Kratom legal as thousands of Americans have protested the Ban in recent weeks. Seen here in Chicago kratom activist including Brandon Harris and Keira Torres who set up the Chicago march and have palyed key roles in the fight against the ban. 

The DEA has yet to ban Kratom in the United States, but as of today Wednesday, October 5th they still have not ended the witch hunt for yet another funding gain. After a surprise announcement on August 31st,2016 the DEA announced their wishes to place the Substance a botanical from southeast Asia on an emergency schedule substance. Kratom contains alkaloids which have been found by the DEA to be in their eyes Dangerous to modern society. When you stop and really look at their case it almost seems like a desperate cry for more funding than anything. 

Kratom having been in the United States for a little over 20 years became popular in the early 2000's as a cure for opioid withdrawals, arthritis, chronic pain, nerve damage, alcoholism, and many other symptoms. With their weakly built case it is surprising more of Congress has not stepped forward. If you do a bit of homework you can find a very scary amount of facts that may change your opinion on the ban even if you do not like Kratom. 

List of DEA Facts:

. In April of 2015 Michele Leonhart resigned as the chief of the DEA after a DOJ report found members of the DEA had held sex parties with prostitutes in Colombia that were paid for by cartel. It was also found that the US Military had 54 cases of sexual abuse  while being aided with a $10 Billion dollar support package to fight the war on drugs. 

. It was found that the DEA has spend's $26.8 Million dollars a year on informants a year and 800 have been deactivated for serious offenses and still receive pay every year. One deactivated for lying in court still receives $469,000 a year as quoted byReason.com in a recent article.  

. In recent years there have been multiple defunding calls from congress against the DEA as the agency has proven it;s inability to win the war on drugs and or comply with request from states and Congress. 

. The DEA has been involved in more scandals than all of the last 15 governors of Illinois. 

. With the DEA'S help and regulations US prison populations have risen by 800%. a majority of that increase was due to non-violent drug offenses. 

. With over 51 Congressmen and congresswoman signing a letter asking for the ban of Kratom to be re thought, the DEA will continue to push the ban forward. 

. All but one of the DEA'S accused Kratom deaths were actually caused by other drugs, 1 death attributed to kratom was a suicide from " Suggested Kraton Addiction". 

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The DEA has again proven a lack of ability to properly handle a situation with congress calling the ban nothing short of illegal. Having not given the public a chance for comment prior to announcing the ban goes strictly against their emergency ban authority meant for synthetic drugs causing mass harm to society. The DEA also sites over 600 FDA calls in 5 years when other prescription medications have 1000's each year. The DEA will surely request funding from congress to fight this new botanical, With our re-search we have come up with an estimated request of $20 Billion over a 2 year period. Not only does this seem like a stretch, but this also goes to show the way's the agency is hurting after being defunded on the Medical marijuana fight. Who can blame an agency with a continual list of poor leadership though? With one Chief having resigned for scandals and the current Chief haven been quotes stating " medical marijuana is a joke" and responding to the Kratom ban when asked where he got his information " Well the FDA said it was bad". 

We truly have to first question why the DEA even still has a budget first before breaking down the other issues with the agency. We should also mention the high rate of arrest of DEA agents in recent years below a list of recent DEA agents arrested for crimes ranging from Sex offenses, to drug offenses and more. 

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Small list of arrested DEA agents: 

Karl Newman

http://973thedawg.com/louisiana-dea-agent-arrested-for-dealing-drugs/

Mitchell Wright 

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Feds-Disgraced-DEA-taskforce-officer-recruited-5295054.php

Tye Downard

http://thefreethoughtproject.com/dea-agent-busted-selling-seized-narcotics-commits-suicide-police-custody/

Chad Scott 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3490200/Star-DEA-agent-forced-hand-gun-badge-amid-allegations-members-drugs-task-force-selling-drugs.html

David Polos and Glen Glover

https://oig.justice.gov/press/2016/2016-06-09a.pdf

Salvador Martinez

http://traceyeaton.com/index.php/project/arrest-in-plot-shocks-dea-agent/

Steven Kinney

http://www.rense.com/general21/boys.htm

Shaun Bridges

https://www.wired.com/2016/02/corrupt-silk-road-investigator-re-arrested-trying-to-flee-the-us/

James Patrick Burke 

http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/dea-special-agent-arrested-on-child-pornography-charges/article_c31026f6-4538-11e5-a6eb-47164f24d8e7.html

(Not a complete List)

Essentially the DEA is leaving themselves wide open for criticism from politicians, and US citizens as a bully and seemingly biased organization. Late last week our team launched the Defund the DEA petition requesting that congress re-consider defunding the DEA all together. With issues one after another our tax money could be much better spent fighting for treatment facilities and clinics. 

Sign the Defunding Petition:

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/remove-federal-funding-dea

KRATOM MARCH CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

 KRATOM MARCH CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Chicago, IL. Concerned citizens of Illinois and surrounding states will be assembling on Saturday, September 24th, 2016 from 1:00 -3:00 pm CST at the John C Kluczynski Federal Building;

Suite 1200, 230 So. Dearborn St., Chicago, Illinois 60604

We are gathering to protest the proposed DEA Ban of Kratom; Mitragyna Speciosa, a tree in the coffee family that many people have benefitted from.  Please join us in a peaceful march to show the DEA and all involved, that this is a very improper action that will negatively impact millions of people in the United States. These people that consume kratom, a simple leaf from a tree, to benefit themselves will be made Felons if this ban is enacted.  Join us in making our voices heard.

Protest in Chicago 9/24/16

Hey everyone please come out and support our peaceful protest this Saturday the 24th at the Federal building in downtown Chicago. Our team will be protesting from 1 - 3 pm. We want to see as many of you out as possible. This ban of Kratom with no proof of its causing harm to anyone is a lack of education and research on the DEA'S behalf and it should be stopped!


Please Share our Protest page and come out:

https://www.facebook.com/events/972101919584165/973133776147646/?notif_t=like&notif_id=1474404459018827

Clay's Story

Life With Addiction FAQ's

"So what's it like to be on Kratom every day?" 

I heard this from a few people. The honest answer is, sometimes I feel like I'm cheating. I've said that before. I know, as an addict, dependency on any substance is dangerous. 

"So why don't you just quit?"

Same reason you don't stop taking the medication your doctor prescribes just because you feel better. Anxiety is a fickle beast. I can be stressed to the max, and just have a smoke break and be fine. Sometimes, I'll wake up in the morning and my heart is beating out of my chest. Continuous use is literally is the only thing keeping me composed at times.

"You miss pills?"

Fuckin' A right I do. Know what I don't miss? Nodding out on my friends, scaring the hell out of them. Having stomach pains so bad I was in tears. Forgetting entire nights because I drank with the pills. Having the girl I love feel like I didn't want her because I was unable to get aroused. 

"You're still addicted to something."

Oh, thanks. Tell me more about the Lexapro and Xanax you take during the day, and the Ambien you take to sleep. Better yet, tell me about the Adderall you give your child everyday before school.


I've been thinking about doing an AMA on reddit. Let me know if you have any hard to ask questions. I'll do my best!

Thanks for all the support guys. I'm sorry I haven't been active. Even Kratom can't help when you're just in a personal rut. On a positive note, tomorrow could be a real game changer for me. Have a chance at an awesome job that will allow me to do so much more with Kratom. I've gotten several strains from different vendors, and I think I've found the perfect mixture. Join the FB page and hit me up. I'll be happy to share!!

Hey everyone!

   

Welcome back everyone! I hope y'all are enjoying the blog. I published my first video early this week. Check that shit out! I just wanted to check in with everyone and extend an invitation to any and everyone interested in contributing. The interview of the week is absolutely happening soon. I'm really hoping to get some feedback from people with every level of experience and knowledge of our beloved plant!

    For those of you on Facebook, I have a group with the same name as the blog, "clays kratom spot" check it out! I've had to make it a closed group. Had far too many vendors looking for free advertising. Just request the add and I'll have you joined up within 24 hours. It's another place for people to discuss all things kratom!

    I wanted to take a moment and ask you if you're aware of the current botanical laws in your state or country. By searching kratom laws in your area you'll likely see a number of political actions against kratom and other natural botanicals. Even if legal in your area, I recommend anyone write their senators and/or local alderman. I need all of you to help keep this alternative available to those in need.

    I've been tapped for a few guest  blog posts I'll be working on and sharing as well. Anyone who would like me to make a short essay or video on kratom, I'd be more than happy to put together something specifically for you. A bit of mutual contribution in a win-win for everyone!

    Alright, guys, I gotta get my ass to bed. I hope you guys enjoyed my blog and maybe learned a thing or two along the way. I hope to keep receiving feedback from you guys, it's been incredibly helpful. Thank you thank you thank you for taking the time out of your day to learn about kratom. Take care everyone!

Dosing Reminder!!

What's up, my friends, and followers! I've been slacking considerably on my blog as of late!

Sorry! I've had some family stuff and started a new job. Excuses aside, I hope you've had a chance to take a look at my recent video It was a nerve-wracking experience, to say the least. I'm much more comfortable behind a keyboard! I hope I can reach a larger audience with my videos. So please, like comment and share the video @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzNCgruJwRk

Back to business! I'm still plugging away at a comprehensive review page for you guys. I again implore anyone to comment or email me their own thoughts. I am working towards an interview of the week series and would love you to be a part.

Thank you again for all the feedback and support. Don't forget, I can answer any questions you have personally and privately. Check the contact link at the top of the page and shoot me an e-mail.

THANK YOU!

Comparison: Kratom Legislation Marijuana Legislation

    I've touched base on the subject passingly before. Why is kratom illegal in Thailand? Why is marijuana illegal in the states? The answer lies in the proverbial "root of all evil".Money. To be specific, tax money. The money you use to pay your taxes, particularly Americans, feeds into an ineffective "war" on drugs. This exists solely to protect the profits of government entities.

 
 
The patient of cotton gin came in 1794. Despite this, hemp was used to make dozens of products used daily. Many of my country's most beloved icons grew it themselves. Even George Washinton grew hemp! The first drafts of the constitution, Bibles, over 50% of all textiles, all kratom. The list goes on and on.

    In 1937 a little company call DuPont found a way to turn oil and/or coal into plastics. Several dominate shareholders backed the rising business. It didn't take long to realize the commercial and medicinal use of the hemp plant was a major profit threat. Difficult to control, regulate, and tax. Unless of course, it's made illegal. Reefer Madness.

  I've spoken often about kratom's history. It has been used historically in medicines as well as ritualistically. Fast forward to1943, a representative of the Government of Thailand stated, in no uncertain terms, that kratom was decreasing profits from their recently increased opium tax. This ultimately led to the passage of "The Kratom Act". This made kratom criminal. Openly grown and used to this day, the enforcement is minimal.



    History is easy for some to ignore. But it is essential we do not forget. Our government has twisted the truth to protect profits before. There are dozens of examples besides this. All while taxing every cent you make. This is capitalism. This is the hidden truth.

Clayton Explaining Kratom

Clayton explains Kratom and laws in his own way. Please watch and support the movement!

Medical Possibilities

  What are Alkaloids? It's something that occurs naturally. Something that interacts with the mind and body. Examples include nicotine, adrenaline, ephedrine etc.  
Kratom has time and time again shown its effectiveness. The reason lies in science. Kratom contains two alkaloids that actually have serious medical relevance. The two are also the most abundant alkaloids within kratom. What's an

Naloxone: Used to counteract the dangerous effects of opiates. Often used to reverse overdoses of prescription and illegal drugs. The abundance of kratom available makes it seem a very cost effective option to extract and use its life-saving potential.

7-Hydroxymitragynine: This difficult to pronounce, wonderful, organic alkaloid. Where kratom gets its euphoric and pain-relieving potential from. The strength of this alkaloid has been tested at 7 times the potency of morphine. All effects are relatively similar, with incredibly low reports of adverse effects. The possibilities are endless. 

Interview #1 Kira Torres

    Hello again everyone! I've been spending time trying to get a foothold on the local kratom scene. Join my Facebook page and participate in the discussion!

   Kratom conversation inevitably makes its way towards vendors. I discourage outright promoting, but I implore everyone to share their favorites. On that note, I contacted a young lady who agreed to share some of her story. You can reach her with any questions on your own on her Facebook page, Chicago Botanicals.

        

Clay: How long have you used kratom? What are some of the benefits you've discovered? 

Kira: Been a year and a half now. Benefits are, I'm a better mother because I have energy to get up and clean and play with kids. I have serious fatigue issues without it. My anxiety has reduced and I don't need xanax everyday now. My depression is getting better too, being off Zoloft. I was able to go back to school and get a degree in psych to be a drug counselor also because (kratom) helped me focus.


C: Have you had any negative effects? 

K: Only minor headaches the first month I started. That went away and its been nothing but good effects sense. 


C: What's your favorite strain? 

K: Red and white.


C: So the red to relax and white vein for energy?

K: No, they both give me energy.


C: Well, what are your favorites on your page, Chicago Botanicals?

K: Chocolate, Cleaning Blend and King Red Maeng Da. 

You can find the strains above at https://m.facebook.com/KDKBotanicals/

    Thanks to my followers and Kira for spreading the good word. I'm working towards a review section. Please comment with your own favorites!

Update!

 Wow! The amount of traffic I'm seeing has been quite a surprise. I received a few requests for an update. I'm pleased to say I feel progress almost daily. Between this outlet and kratoms aid, I feel better than I have in years. I hope I've been able to help some of you learn about this incredible plant. I'll be posting three times a week for anyone interested!

   I'd like to reiterate that I'm more than open to any questions or additions. No matter the experience you've had with kratom. I would be thrilled to have any input, reviews or personal testimony on kratom. Click the contact link up top and comment or e-mail me personally.

Clayton.westhoff@gmail.com

Thank you for your support!

History of Kratom Use

   "Everything has a story,

here is Kratoms"

Kratom has documented medicinal use dating before the twentieth century. Used as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, pain, diarrhea, many others, and eventually, opiate withdrawal. Additionally used to reenergize labors to great effect. Tea was brewed using the leaves or the raw leaf chewed directly. Usually after removing the less potent stem and vein. 

    "In the 19th-century opium abuse in Indonesia was rampant".


Consumption as a substitute was widely used. Having personally seen the effectiveness against withdrawal. I can speak for its effectiveness. As prescription of powerful opiates became common, interest in kratom rekindled. Now often used in addition and more often a replacement. Kratoms medicinal use has been largely untapped. 

   I found it surprising to find Kratom banned in its native Thailand. A small amount of research quickly found nefarious reasons. As kratom's popularity rose, Thailand opium tax revenue took a hit. The parallels to hemp's witch hunt legislation are eye opening. But that's a story for another post. 

    A quick internet search finds a number of news articles pertaining to kratom use in the States. With kratom made illegal in Australia and Malaysia, some States have followed suit. Most negative articles are laughable in quality and lacking even basic sources. In spite of a handful of legislators pushing for kratom's ban, it continues to make headlines. Currently unattainable in Vermont,Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Indiana. Interest in Kratom continues to grow as an opiate substitute. 

Check Out my Kratom Dosage Guide:

Check Out my Kratom Strands Guide:

Personal Testimony

  There was a time in my life where my main priority was MORE NORCO! I took hydrocodone daily for over two years. The only time I refrained was when I had no alternative. Anyone who has struggled with addiction knows the perpetual fear of withdrawal. Then I met a girl. She had children, and me head over heels. I decided that I had to make a change.

    I would be lying if I said once I made that decision I never took opiates again. I took the two simultaneously. It clearly compounded the effects. After a few weeks of that, I started cutting out the norcos. Within a few days, I was exclusively taking kratom. I was absolutely blown away. I still craved the high, but I had ZERO withdrawals. I was saving hundreds of dollars a month. And I wasn't breaking any laws.

    After a few months, I started experimenting making tea and extracts. Blew my tolerance away quickly. Regular kratom consumed with my normal "toss and wash" method had little to zero effect. I relapsed and was back to square one. I felt like I was stuck in an addiction cycle for good. So I deleted every number I had to acquire my drugs of choice. Within two weeks I had things under control again. But had I truly beaten addiction?

    I decided there was only one way to find out. I stashed the rest of my Kratom and said, "no more". I suffered through a single sleepless night and miserable day. I resigned myself to daily use. After approximately six months of daily use, I noticed a significant change. I had basically zero desire to have sex. Being a 20-something with no libido made me feel like less of a man. My pride interfered with my health and I relapsed again.

    I found something new, suboxone. For ten bucks a pop I was high as I could want to be for up to four days. However, it made it impossible to take any other opiate for days afterwards. I had a habit of running low and running out. I thought I knew how bad withdrawal was. Suboxone withdrawal made anything I ever felt seem like a hangnail. I was once again a slave to addiction.

    I wasn't ready to quit, no matter how badly I needed to. I made excuses. I was only self-medicating I had things under control. But any day I didn't have my subs was met by apathy and angst. So I locked myself away and drank myself stupid for a week. I quit answering the phone and shut down entirely. The withdrawals faded but my substance abuse was simply converted to another drug, alcohol. I knew I had to make a change.

    I went with what I knew, kratom. Knowing my addictive personality, I disregarded extracts and stuck to regular plain leaf. Having suffered through the withdrawals from suboxone, the kratom worked like a charm. No more apathy. No more depression, No more anxiety. I was myself again. Concerned with decreased sex drive, I moderated my dosage much more carefully. Two months later I can happily say I have had no negative effects, and I have my life back. Yes, I dose nearly every day. I could easily see a doctor and be prescribed anti-anxiety and depression medication. Having tried both, I can say confidently kratom is a safer, cheaper alternative.

    There are a lot of people who can take kratom recreationally, I am not one of them. However, removing kratom from life results in a far more destructive alternative. I know some people may think I haven't gotten "better" at all. But I wake up every day feeling my own self-worth. That's worth more to me than anything.

The Benefits of Kratom

Back pain, arthritis, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, restless legs syndrome. Do you suffer from any of these things? Do you want to get off toxic prescription drugs? Are you looking for some help kicking an opiate problem? Perhaps you are looking for something better than a cup of coffee to get you going in the morning? Kratom can be your answer for all of this and more. I intend to create a resource you can use to find the right vendor, strain, dosage, and method of consumption for you.

So what is kratom? To put it simply, it's a leaf from an evergreen tree in the coffee family. It is dehydrated, milled and typically consumed directly or made into a tea. 

What does it do? Therein lies the beauty of Kratom. With dozens of different strains and alkaloid compounds, it can be a very personal experience. People have reported different combinations of the following effects starting with the more common ones I've heard/felt; pain relief, euphoria, anxiety relief (particularly for social anxiety), energy, appetite suppression and more.

Are there negative effects? Yes, of course. Everyone will want to try your kratom once you tell them about it! Joking aside, kratom works on the same receptors as an opiate. Constipation, dependence, respiratory depression and nausea at high doses have been reported. Albeit, at a significant decrease to the amount and extent reported by traditional painkiller studies. The only drawback I've personally experienced is a much more rare one, decreased libido. 

Is it legal? Kratom is legal everywhere with a few exceptions. Australia, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), and ironically enough, its native country Thailand. Currently three states, Indiana, Tennessee and Vermont, have banned the alkaloids present in kratom.