Oppose Florida House Bill HB 1489 to Protect Local Businesses and Kratom Users!
Oppose Florida House Bill HB 1489 to Protect Local Businesses and Kratom Users!
The Issue
As a deeply concerned resident, I watch with mounting apprehension as the Florida House Bill HB 1489 threatens the livelihood of hundreds of local businesses like kava bars, and the well-being of the numerous individuals who depend on kratom for their daily lives.
The proposed bill, if passed, will have a massive impact on our communities. Kratom, a naturally occurring substance used by many to manage their daily wellness and productivity, will essentially be deprived from those who need it most. Such a legislative action not only disservices kratom users who rely on the natural substance, but also places an undue burden on businesses big and small across our state.
Empirical studies have also shown the potential benefits of kratom for users. As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), numerous folks use it to manage their health conditions. A study by Payne et al., published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, showed that most users found kratom 'very effective' for pain, mental/emotional conditions, and opiate withdrawal. The potential passing of this bill takes these options away.
It is clear that house bill HB 1489 fails to take into account the wideranging implications it would have on our community. Hence, I urge you to stand with me in opposing this legislation. Sign this petition and join the effort to stand against the Florida House Bill HB 1489. A united voice can steer our policymakers towards legislation that is just and fair.
743
The Issue
As a deeply concerned resident, I watch with mounting apprehension as the Florida House Bill HB 1489 threatens the livelihood of hundreds of local businesses like kava bars, and the well-being of the numerous individuals who depend on kratom for their daily lives.
The proposed bill, if passed, will have a massive impact on our communities. Kratom, a naturally occurring substance used by many to manage their daily wellness and productivity, will essentially be deprived from those who need it most. Such a legislative action not only disservices kratom users who rely on the natural substance, but also places an undue burden on businesses big and small across our state.
Empirical studies have also shown the potential benefits of kratom for users. As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), numerous folks use it to manage their health conditions. A study by Payne et al., published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, showed that most users found kratom 'very effective' for pain, mental/emotional conditions, and opiate withdrawal. The potential passing of this bill takes these options away.
It is clear that house bill HB 1489 fails to take into account the wideranging implications it would have on our community. Hence, I urge you to stand with me in opposing this legislation. Sign this petition and join the effort to stand against the Florida House Bill HB 1489. A united voice can steer our policymakers towards legislation that is just and fair.
743
The Decision Makers
- James Uthmeier
Florida Attorney General
No response
- Florida State Senators
No response
The Supporters
Featured Comments
I've been drinking Kratom tea for a long time, and it has been a vital part of managing my health, helping with anxiety and pain. Kratom provides relief without the addictive properties or harmful side effects associated with pharmaceutical pain medications. I know many others who rely on Kratom for the same reasons. Banning it would leave countless people without a natural alternative, increasing the risk of opioid and painkiller addiction. In fact, Kratom has played a crucial role in combating substance abuse—I’ve seen firsthand how it has helped individuals transition away from dangerous drugs. I even know people who were able to overcome alcohol dependency after becoming part of the Kratom/Kava community. Removing access to Kratom would take away a valuable tool for those seeking a healthier path. Please reconsider your decision and allow people to retain this natural option for relief and recovery.
I’ve been working at a local kava bar for a couple years now. We are a small business and depend on kratom for a lot of our sales. This job is everything to me and it’s the first time I have loved what I do, and this bill could really jeopardize that. As a small business we really depend on being able to make and sell Kratom, and our customers depend on being able to buy it. I’ve seen how helpful it can be for so many people who struggle with both pain and addiction. It needs to be accessible for people.
Back between 2017 to 2021, I was struggling with heavy drinking every night. In mid 2021, my brother introduced me to a local kava bar, which also served Kratom, and it helped me kick alcohol at the peak of it being bad. I’ve been clean for 3 years thanks to the benefits of Kratom. This bill would only seek to cause more harm than good. Most bars that serve it foster a relaxing and welcoming environment, the employees are given stable incomes, and the community around them are genuinely amazing. It’s another example of Florida representative’s sticking their hands in things they have very little understanding of or don’t even engage in on a personal level, yet act like they’re the ones who know best. Kratom won’t cause you to get a DUI, to get emotionally unstable, to engage in abusive behavior; yet alcohol does and there’s nothing done to curtail the issues in those areas. We still have people suffering from health related complications of smoking, yet little is done to curtail that. The benefits of this bill are far outnumbered by the negative effects it will have on local communities, both economically and socially.
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Petition created on March 30, 2025