A veteran’s journey with chronic pain and kratom

OPINION – I am a 48-year-old Army veteran from Woodland, CA. By many accounts, I am a typical person – married with children, maintain close friendships, love my relatives, and have a daily routine. At the same time, my life is a story of both desperation and resilience in the face of chronic pain.

In April 2017, the effect of spinal cord compression and a debilitating back injury incurred during my military service in 2006 became unbearable. I found myself trapped in a cycle of agony, unable to escape the constant torment that consumed my days and nights.

For years, I navigated the murky waters of traditional treatments, hoping to find a reprieve from the unrelenting pain. I endured surgeries, tried prescription pain medications and other medical interventions to address this pain which many medical personnel were unable or unwilling to treat.

Each avenue I explored seemed to lead to a dead end, leaving me feeling defeated and despondent – to the point that I was considering ending it all. It was amidst this despair that I discovered kratom, a natural supplement that would become my lifeline in the battle against chronic pain.

Before embracing kratom, I embarked on a journey of exhaustive research. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its efficacy and safety, I made the decision to give it a chance. To my profound relief, kratom offered a level of relief that eluded me through conventional means. It provided a fleeting respite from the ceaseless ache that had become my constant companion.

But my journey with chronic pain was far from over. Even as kratom provided moments of relief from suffering, the challenges persisted. Spinal cord compression, neurogenic bladder, and fibromyalgia became not just diagnoses, but daily battles fought with unwavering determination.

Through it all, kratom remained the only relief that seemed to work, offering me a sense of relief without the out-of-control euphoria or drowsiness of pain medications. It was a glimmer of hope in the darkest of times. Its effects weren’t just physical; they granted me the strength to face each day with renewed courage and resilience.

Today, I am filled with a sense of cautious optimism – for me and countless Californians dealing with chronic pain.

In California, legislation proposed by Assembly member Matthew Haney in Assembly Bill 2365 (AB 2365) offers a glimmer of hope for a future where individuals who are looking for natural alternatives can do so without fear or stigma. This groundbreaking bill introduces comprehensive regulations that address key concerns within the kratom industry, balancing consumer safety with access to this invaluable resource.

Foremost, AB 2365 establishes packaging standards with clear labeling and age restrictions.

The proposed legislation aims to establish clear standards for both leaf kratom and kratom extracts while also banning hazardous synthetic derivatives. This distinction is crucial as it acknowledges not all kratom is the same. It mandates registration and adherence to rigorous testing protocols for kratom processors, ensuring that the products we rely on undergo thorough scrutiny to prevent adulteration and mislabeling. Additionally, the bill outlines enforcement measures for violations, holding accountable those who endanger public health through negligence or malpractice.

As someone who has experienced firsthand the transformative power of kratom, I stand in staunch support of AB 2365. This legislation represents a real and certain opportunity for individuals like me who rely on kratom for relief from chronic pain.

And as I continue on this journey, I do so with the unwavering belief that common sense regulation, consumer education and regulation can help set a new course for countless Californians like me — a future where chronic pain is met with compassion, understanding, and relief.

Marcelle Morfin lives in Woodland, CA.