Ep 49: Understanding Kratom with Mac Haddow: Science, Politics, and Personal Experience

In this week's episode of Kratom Stories, Madalyn Sklar interviews Mac Haddow, the senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association (AKA), and a Kratom consumer himself. Mac shares his personal journey with Kratom, revealing how it helps manage chronic pain stemming from past injuries. His introduction to Kratom was unexpected—a vendor offered him a sample, and he experienced a calming effect with an energy boost. This personal experience, combined with seeing Kratom's positive effects on Senator Orrin Hatch (who also used Kratom for pain relief), solidified Mac's advocacy for the plant. He details his extensive experience in politics and how this led him to fight for Kratom's legal status, facing opposition—particularly from within the FDA who are seemingly intent on banning it.

Mac details the FDA's biased view of dietary supplements and how the agency's actions threatened to unjustly ban Kratom based on flawed data and the misunderstanding of the plant's benefits. He recounts the intense fight to prevent the 2016 ban, highlighting the passionate outpouring of support from Kratom consumers that ultimately swayed the DEA, and the ongoing challenges Kratom continues to face due to the FDA’s actions. He emphasizes the importance of consumer voices in advocating for the plant, particularly in the face of local bans fueled by misinformation.

Mac shares advice for new Kratom users, stressing the importance of starting with small doses to find what works best for their needs. Recent FDA research has shown that Kratom is well-tolerated at various dosages, which should be reassuring to those considering using it. He underscores that  various user groups—including those seeking energy boosts, mood elevation, and pain relief—all benefit from Kratom. Mac and Madalyn end the show by encouraging listeners to get involved with the American Kratom Association to protect access to this beneficial plant, which has improved the lives of millions.

-RELATED LINKS -

American Kratom Association - website

American Kratom Association - Facebook

ProtectKratom.org

Letter from Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Brett Giroir

Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/49

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