Venus Usher | Support SB557

My name is Venus Usher. I am not a resident of New Hampshire, but I have close friends and loved ones who live there, and I hope to continue visiting them for many years to come. I am writing in support of SB557 and efforts to establish responsible regulation. For over 17 years, I suffered from severe chronic pain after being harmed by an FDA-approved medication. During that time, I was misdiagnosed, dismissed, and went through unnecessary procedures while living in constant pain without relief. Nearly a decade ago, I found plain leaf kratom tea. It has been the only thing that has consistently helped manage my pain and allowed me to have some quality of life. It has kept me stable, functional, and able to live my life. Because of my experience, I strongly support reasonable regulation, including age limits, labeling requirements, and product safety standards. These protections help ensure that people have access to safe, properly manufactured products. I also have a close friend in New Hampshire who depends on plain leaf kratom just as I do. Knowing that there are efforts to keep products safe and regulated gives me peace of mind for both her well-being and my ability to continue visiting her. Responsible regulation protects consumers while preserving access for people who rely on this plant in their daily lives. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Venus Usher