Story time.. There is a pot dispensary several blocks from my home. I smoked piles of the stuff a couple of decades ago (ok, it's been longer than 20ys) when it was forbidden (still is from a federal stance). I grew up. Now it messes me up so bad I can't stand it. Where's the justice, lol! But seriously, medical CDB stuff hasn't been very helpful to me either.. not constantly or reliably. So my lower back injury from 10 ys ago flares up one morning in July and I'm down for days, unable to take care of anything. I'd heard of kratom for inflammation & chronic pain. Long story, short.. I get this precious cargo via mail order, crying in pain on the way to my mailbox (I could only lay down to ease the torment). 45 minutes- I'm up and walking up a hill to get groceries. TRUTH (I'm leading somewhere with this) I am enjoying Autumn for the first time in years (severe depression and I live in Seattle- it's the wet season). Now I socialize without anxiety (meaning I no longer "don't socialize"). I skip many days- never any withdrawal that I was aware of. I can't say the same for coffee. The inflammation and pain went away -completely- within a few days and hasn't returned. I walk about a mile or more every day now (pain is a GREAT motivator). The articles on google about kratom are often curated BS. Tylenol is far, far more likely to kill you than these tree leaves (albeit very effective and a little euphoric at times. ok a bonus). Leading to this- The DEA in the US was rushing to put this on Schedule 1 narcotics. Delayed only because the chronic pain folks and other groups blew up (but I credit them for stopping to review). Now it's on the waiting list for further review. The FDA is involved of course. They'll probably screw it all up (fear talking). This was the last hope for people like elderly who were buying pills downtown from street dealers because their MD cut them off their Rx to save their license. I've seen this in DT Seattle many times. People on Reddit/kratom who were like that say It's 15 bucks a pill or throw up all day. It is so sad to see these people. Heroin addict who are motivated to quit can do so without the deterrent of horrible withdrawal. This stimulates opiate receptors but it's not the same as opium or synthetics. It's safe and gentle (I know how that may sound). I think that this is the source of hysteria- an emotional knee jerk reaction because people use it to get off hard drugs- from years of conditioning- a war on drugs. It's a war on people, not drugs. Kratom is safer and much, much healthier than alcohol. No one will ban beer or booze (or Wine!) Reddit/kratom I read "haven't had a drink in 10 weeks". For some people, that is HUGE. I'm sorry to take up real estate on your post but you see I am passionate about this, and it's relevant I think. People should know about this option. The govt. says "no known medical use". Well millions of people know very well but again- context.. what is medical? Care or poison? I hope that CA hasn't criminalized this amazing herb. Nature has real solutions, even to help us and our ignorant institutions with our own stupid mistakes. American Kratom Association is fighting to keep kratom legal in the US and I hope they lead the way for our neighbors. Thanks Rok