: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: The Deceptive Agenda of the American Kratom Association
The phrase “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” refers to someone or something that presents a harmless front while hiding a more dangerous truth. The American Kratom Association (AKA) exemplifies this deception. While claiming to be a consumer advocacy group, their actions often align more with industry protectionism than public health. It’s time to take a closer look at who the AKA really serves—and the deadly consequences of their influence
1. The Friendly Face of the Kratom Industry
On the surface, the AKA brands itself as a champion of consumer freedom, promoting kratom as a safe, natural supplement. Their public messaging is polished, and they often use terms like “safety,” “regulation,” and “consumer rights” to disarm critics and win over legislators and the public.
But beneath the surface lies a starkly different reality: the AKA is deeply tied to the commercial kratom industry. Its funding, board members, and lobbying efforts all point toward an agenda focused on keeping kratom widely available, regardless of the mounting evidence of harm.
2. Misinformation Disguised as Advocacy
One of the most dangerous tactics employed by the AKA is the dissemination of misleading information. They downplay scientific research showing kratom’s potential for addiction, overdose, and even death. In many cases, they outright deny these risks, calling them “myths” despite clear evidence to the contrary.
Parents who have lost children to kratom-related deaths know firsthand the devastating toll this so-called “safe” plant can take. And yet, the AKA continues to minimize the risks while aggressively marketing kratom as a wellness product.
3. Lobbying Against Safety
When lawmakers propose restrictions or bans in response to the growing number of adverse incidents, the AKA steps in—not to protect public health, but to protect kratom sales. They lobby hard against bans, even in states where people have died from kratom-related toxicity. Their “Kratom Consumer Protection Act” sounds responsible, but in reality, it offers little true protection. It legitimizes kratom sales while doing next to nothing to address its dangers.
4. Exploiting Grief, Twisting Narratives
Perhaps most disturbing is how the AKA responds to tragedy. They often dismiss or discredit families who speak out after losing a loved one to kratom. Instead of listening with compassion, they twist the narrative, blaming the victim or insisting the death was caused by something else—despite coroner reports and toxicology findings that clearly implicate kratom.
5. The Call for Real Protection
We need real public health advocacy—free from the influence of industry money and manipulation. We need voices that prioritize the lives of our children and families, not the profits of an unregulated market. The AKA is not that voice.
Conclusion
It’s time to call the American Kratom Association what it is: a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Their friendly facade hides a dangerous mission—one that has cost lives and will continue to do so unless more people speak out. We must demand truth, transparency, and real protection from the dangers of kratom. The first step is recognizing who the real sheep—and wolves—are.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/kratom-overdoses-groups-call-regulation-better-testing-drug
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8319032/
https://pcssnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/STANCIU-Understanding-Kratom-2024.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/clients/lobbyists?cycle=2023&id=D000075072&utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com