1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am submitting this comment in response to federal ban on 7-hydroxymitragynine for chronic pain patients. I have struggled with substance use disorder and chronic pain and spent years searching for solutions that would help me improve my health and quality of life. Before using 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), I tried physical therapy, nerve blocks, injections, spinal nerve stimulator and many medications, but continued to face significant challenges. Since using 7-OH, my life has improved. It has helped me manage my pain ( better than any medications and I've been prescribed them all), manage mental health, maintain recovery ( from medications Dr.s gave to me then took away) and care for my family! Because of 7-OH, I am now able to manage my pain WITHOUT the risk of overdose since respiratory depression does not happen with 7-OH (unlike medications like Percocet, Vicodin, Fentanyl etc. of which all have been prescribed) I respectfully urge all to consider the experiences of people like me when evaluating policies related to 7-OH. My experience shows that it can be an important tool for improving health, stability, and quality of life. Please base decisions regarding 7-OH on scientific evidence and real-world outcomes rather than fear and misinformation. People deserve policies that recognize what is actually helping them improve their lives. Thank you for your consideration.