American Kratom Association

The American Kratom Association is a nonprofit organization that serves as an advocacy group and resource hub for kratom—a botanical substance derived from the leaves of the Southeast Asian Mitragyna speciosa tree. The organization was established in response to increasing regulatory scrutiny and public misunderstanding of kratom. It functions as a collective voice for consumers, researchers, and industry stakeholders who support responsible use and the ongoing study of kratom.

THE AKA MISSION

The American Kratom Association has 5 main goals:

Support Consumers. The FDA does everything it can do to interfere with the right of consumers to make informed choices about products they use for their health and well being, and their war on kratom includes distributing disinformation on kratom that materially misleads consumers and policy makers. Our goal is to change that.
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Educate. Kratom is a natural plant that helps consumers improve their health and well being for centuries. Our goal is to educate all Americans with the truth about kratom — from potential consumers to regulators and everyone in between.
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Speaking the Truth on Kratom. We represent millions of Americans that each have a story to tell. The FDA wants to drown out the individual voices, but we will raise those voices and together we will be heard across America.
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Global Awareness. Anti-kratom detractors are trying to expand kratom bans across the world. We hope to demonstrate responsible use and the health benefits of kratom will convince other countries to responsibly regulate kratom, not ban it.
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Protect Natural Resources. Kratom is a precious natural resource that is an important part of our global ecosystem. We support and advocate for sustainable harvesting techniques and reforestation protecting existing kratom forests to protect the climate and the invaluable carbon exchange kratom trees contribute to the environment.

AKA GMP STANDARDS PROGRAM

The AKA GMP Standards Program was created to provide consumers with information to help them make an informed decision regarding their selection of kratom-containing products. To accomplish this, the AKA standards Program is a way for Vendors that have established a higher level of manufacturing processes to earn the privilege to be listed on the AKA website and be eligible to bear the “AKA GMP Qualified” seal on label and labeling of its products that qualify. AKA GMP participants have committed to implementing and following the manufacturing and processing standards outlined in the AKA GMP Standards Program.

To become AKA GMP Qualified Vendors, participants must complete an annual independent 3rd party audit to ensure their compliance with the program standards. Upon verification of the audit, they are considered as AKA GMPQualified.

• Advocacy and Consumer Rights:
  The association is dedicated to safeguarding consumer access to kratom by engaging in legislative advocacy. It works to ensure that regulatory frameworks are based on sound scientific evidence rather than unfounded claims or misconceptions. The organization opposes overly restrictive measures that could hinder responsible use.

• Education and Research Promotion:
  One of AKA’s primary objectives is to foster an environment in which accurate, evidence-based information about kratom is available. This includes providing educational resources to the public, policymakers, and the media. The organization also supports and sometimes collaborates with researchers aiming to explore both the benefits and the potential risks associated with kratom usage.

• Quality Control and Safety:
  Recognizing the importance of product consistency and consumer safety, the association encourages the development of quality standards and best practices for kratom vendors. This includes advocating for reliable testing and labeling guidelines so that consumers can make informed choices.

• Legislative Engagement:
  AKA is active on the state and federal levels, engaging with lawmakers and regulatory agencies. Their efforts include lobbying and providing testimony in hearings to influence policies affecting kratom availability and research. They argue for a balanced regulatory approach that protects consumers without unnecessarily restricting access.

• Public Awareness Campaigns:
  Through educational initiatives, the association works to counter misinformation surrounding kratom. This involves hosting webinars, public forums, and conferences where experts discuss scientific findings and share user experiences regarding the responsible use of kratom.

• Resource Development:
  The association maintains a repository of research studies, regulatory updates, and informational articles that are accessible to both the general public and specialized audiences. These resources aim to promote transparency and support further investigation into the botanical’s effects.

• Membership and Leadership:
  The American Kratom Association comprises a diverse group of members including individual consumers, scientific researchers, and industry professionals. It is overseen by a board of directors committed to the organization’s mission, and its grassroots structure enables community input and participation.

• Collaboration with Stakeholders:
  AKA frequently partners with other advocacy groups, research institutions, and public health professionals. This collaboration is intended to build a comprehensive and balanced body of knowledge that can guide public policy and inform safe usage practices.

• Scientific and Regulatory Landscape:
  The association has positioned itself as a counterweight to narratives that have led to attempts to impose strict regulatory controls. It highlights the need for more rigorous, unbiased research and stresses that existing studies should be interpreted in context. By doing so, AKA plays a critical role in shaping how both the scientific community and regulatory bodies approach the study and regulation of botanical substances.

• Educational Influence:
  Through its publications and public statements, the organization has contributed to a growing body of discourse aimed at demystifying kratom. Its efforts have encouraged further inquiry into its properties, potential benefits, and safety considerations.