WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kratom is often misunderstood, mistakenly thought of a highly addictive opioid and cause of death around the country warranting being classification as a Schedule I controlled substance. These are just some of the misconceptions which representatives from the Kratom Trade Association (KTA) held a briefing today on Capitol Hill, along with experts representing the American Kratom Association, Botanical Education Alliance, Drug Policy Alliance, Plants People Health and A Leaf of Faith.
“We can balance consumer safety with access to this natural botanical product consumed by millions of Americans without government overreach,” said Michael Werner, a federal regulatory policy and legislative advisor for KTA. “Working with legislators, KTA seeks to find common-sense compromises based on science in the face of misinformation to protect people’s right to consume Kratom and manage their own well-being.”
Kratom is derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant, part of the coffee family and has been used safely for decades in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) unsuccessfully attempted to ban Kratom in 2016 when it inaccurately claimed it had “a high potential for abuse” and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) routinely issues misleading statements about Kratom’s safety.
Michael is available for interviews to discuss:
- Facts versus fiction about Kratom (fact sheet)
- Reasonable regulations that don’t threaten safe and responsible consumption of natural botanicals
- High self-imposed industry standards such as labeling requirements and good manufacturing practices advocated by KTA that protect consumers
Michael Werner has almost three decades of healthcare law and regulatory experience in Washington, specializing in issues affecting FDA-regulated entities with in-depth knowledge of regulations regarding product approval, marketing and distribution.
A partner at the law firm Holland & Knight, he has represented and organized coalitions of healthcare stakeholders to secure policy objectives before Congress, and in meetings the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other federal agencies, and advised companies on FDA marketing rules and labeling claims.
The author of more than 60 published articles and a frequent media commentator, Werner's articles and comments have appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Science, Scientific American, and Washington Post, and his comments have been aired on many TV and radio news programs.
The Kratom Trade Association (KTA) is dedicated to the safe and responsible use of Kratom botanical products in the U.S. KTA is committed to regulatory compliance and will develop and promote use of best practices and quality standards for the industry. KTA will support Kratom research initiatives and conduct advocacy efforts to educate policy makers and the public about the benefits of Kratom, as well as dispelling common misconceptions. Visit www.kratomtrade.org for more information.
