Somewhere between “Just five more minutes” and “Where did the week go?” we find ourselves staring down the back half of another week. Maybe your Monday came in like a wrecking ball. Maybe Tuesday showed up with unexpected grace. Maybe you’re just here, trying to catch your breath between obligations, emotions, and that constant low hum of everything.
So, take a moment. Right here. Right now.
This is not a motivational speech about hustling harder or chasing dreams until you collapse. This is a reminder: You’re allowed to exist without performing. You’re allowed to move slowly. To sip your coffee while it’s hot. To look out the window and not feel guilty for pausing.
You’ve made it halfway. And that’s not nothing.
It’s easy to overlook progress when the world demands fireworks just for you to feel accomplished. But the real magic? It’s in the subtle. The quiet. The consistent. Showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. Getting out of bed when your soul is heavy. Answering the text. Feeding the dog. Caring for the people you love even when you’re running on fumes.
If you need a sign to slow down, this is it.
If you need permission to rest, you have it.
If you’re feeling behind, you’re not.
You’re exactly where you are supposed to be—learning, adapting, becoming.
We’re not here to tell you how to live. But we are here to remind you: Your effort is valid. Your exhaustion is not weakness. And your worth is not tied to productivity.
Let the rest of the week unfold as it will. You don’t have to conquer it. You just have to meet it with grace, and maybe a little caffeine.
We’ll be right here, rooting for you.
Blog
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Halfway Through: A Midweek Reminder for the Rest of Us
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The game is more important than the sport
That thought drifted through my mind this morning as I woke up — and the more I sat with it, the more I realized how perfectly it fits what’s happening around us right now.
In Texas, a law is moving forward — SB 1868 — that threatens to strip away access to kratom. And at first glance, it might seem like just another political fight. Another bill. Another debate. Another headline.
But this is not just about one bill.
It’s not even just about one plant.
It’s about something far deeper.
The “sport” is what we see on the surface:
Committees voting.
Politicians making speeches.
News articles spinning the story.
The “game” is the real struggle underneath it all:
Who gets to decide what you put in your body?
Who holds the power to define what’s “safe” and what’s “dangerous”?
Will freedom mean something real — or just another word we use until it’s inconvenient?
In moments like these, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise.
It’s easy to feel like a spectator, watching someone else’s game being played.
But the truth is: we’re not spectators. We are players.
Every call you make to your representative, every story you share, every post you write — it’s a move on the board. It’s a step forward in the real game that matters.
Health freedom.
Bodily autonomy.
The simple, powerful right to choose what is best for ourselves.
This is bigger than kratom.
This is about whether we preserve the dignity of choice, or surrender it to fear and control.
Stay focused. Stay steady. Stay in the game.
History isn’t written by those who played a beautiful sport and lost politely.
History is written by those who understood the game, fought for the truth, and refused to quit.
Let’s be those people.
Grab your coffee. Take a deep breath.
Then make your move.
Your freedom is worth playing for. -
Synthetic Imitations, Real Risks: What You Need to Know About Semi-Synthetic 7-OH Products
Not all “Kratom” is what it claims to be.
In early 2025, a research team including Dr. Christopher McCurdy—one of the most respected scientists in the Kratom field—published a warning in the journal Addiction about a rising threat to consumer safety: the emergence of semi-synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products being sold under the Kratom name.
What’s the Big Deal?
Naturally, 7-OH exists in Kratom in very small amounts. It’s one of the plant’s most potent alkaloids, with 14 to 22 times the mu-opioid receptor binding affinity of morphine. But in its natural form—alongside over 40 other alkaloids—it’s balanced by nature.
These new products?
They’re not balanced. They’re engineered.
What’s Being Sold?
Researchers identified novel products like:
Sublingual tablets
Nasal sprays
Capsules containing up to 98% 7-OH
Some single doses contain 14–25mg of pure 7-OH—compared to the micrograms present in natural Kratom. And with delivery methods that bypass digestion, they hit harder, faster, and more unpredictably.
Why Should You Care?
Because these products are being sold under the Kratom label.
That means people might think they’re taking regular, leaf-based Kratom—when in reality, they’re consuming something far more potent, far less studied, and potentially dangerous.
The authors of the study highlighted several serious concerns:
High potential for abuse and dependency
No human or animal safety data
No labeling or consumer warning
Regulatory confusion and gray market risks
This Isn’t Traditional Kratom
This isn’t the cup of tea many people rely on for managing chronic pain, stress, or focus. This is chemistry that mimics one part of Kratom while removing the balance that nature built.
The danger here isn’t just about the synthetic alkaloids—it’s about misleading consumers, damaging public trust, and handing fuel to those who want Kratom banned altogether.
Verideon’s Stance
We believe in transparency, education, and safe, natural products. We don’t support the sale or promotion of semi-synthetic 7-OH disguised as “Kratom.” Consumers have a right to know what they’re putting in their bodies—and to choose whole-plant products that have centuries of traditional use behind them, not mystery compounds with no safety data.
If you want to read the original study, here it is:
The Rise of Novel, Semi-Synthetic 7-Hydroxymitragynine Products
This is your leaf, your choice. Let’s keep it that way—by staying informed, speaking up, and holding companies accountable for the truth. -
Texas: A New Threat to Personal Freedom
The Texas Senate just voted to pass SB 1868, a bill that would effectively ban all kratom products in the state.
It’s disappointing — but not surprising. We knew they were going to try. Now the battle moves to the Texas House, and if there was ever a time for the kratom community to raise its voice, it’s right now.
The American Kratom Association’s legislative team is fully engaged and fighting hard to stop this terrible bill, but they can’t do it alone. They need every single Texan who values their rights and their health freedom to stand up and be heard.
Here’s how you can help:
Email your State Representative.
Call your State Representative.
Share your personal story about how kratom has made a difference in your life.
Tell them that you support keeping Texas’s current kratom law in place.
Urge them to oppose SB 1868.
Even if you’ve never contacted a lawmaker before — this is your moment. Every email. Every phone call. Every voice matters.
The reality is simple: If we stay silent, they will take kratom away.
If we stand together, we can stop SB 1868.
The American Kratom Association has made it easy to take action. Visit protectkratom.org/Texas for everything you need: legislator contact info, talking points, and tips for reaching out.
Texas consumers have a choice to make right now: fight or forfeit.
Let’s fight. -
It’s Friday. The leaves are steeping. And you’re still standing.
That’s no small thing.
Some of you crushed this week.
Some of you barely crawled through it with a mug in one hand and your last nerve in the other.
Either way—you made it.
That counts.
Whether you’re clocking out, still grinding, or wondering how it’s somehow already Friday again, take a second to breathe.
Slow down.
Sip something warm.
You deserve a little softness. A little stillness.
Even if the week wasn’t perfect.
Even if you weren’t perfect.
That daily cup—the ritual, the pause, the inhale before the next inhale—it’s not just habit. It’s a kind of quiet resilience.
It’s saying,
“I showed up.”
“I kept going.”
“I did the best I could.”
And honestly? That’s enough.
And to those who start their workweek today—yeah, we see you too.
While everyone’s shouting “TGIF,” you’re lacing up, showing up, and doing what needs to be done.
You’re the quiet backbone of this world’s weird rhythm. And we’re rooting for you, too.
Here’s to you.
Here’s to rest—whenever you get it.
Here’s to Friday.
And here’s to the next leaf. -
To the Graduates. The Survivors. The Not-Yet-There-But-Trying.
The semester has ended, and across the country, people are catching their breath.
Some of you crossed the stage.
Some of you crossed your fingers.
Some of you just crossed days off the calendar and said, “I made it through.”
To the graduates:
Congratulations. You held the line. You followed through. You earned the right to rest—and to celebrate. Even if you’re still unsure what comes next, you did something big. And that matters.
To the ones who didn’t hit every goal this time around:
You’re still in this. Progress isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes it’s messy, exhausting, and slow—but it’s still progress.
You don’t need a tassel to prove your growth. Just waking up and trying again is an act of quiet resilience.
To the ones unsure if you’ll return next semester:
Take the breath you need. Rest isn’t failure. And your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. The world needs people who move at their own pace, with their own purpose.
This moment—this transition—it’s not the end.
It’s just a comma.
A breath between chapters.
Whether you finished with honors or barely finished at all…
Whether your next step is grad school, a job, a nap, or no idea—
You’re still writing your story.
And you’re doing a damn good job.
So here’s to the ones who made it.
And to the ones who will.
You’re not alone in this. And you’re not behind.
You’re becoming. -
To the Sleep-Deprived, the Almost-There, and the Newly Crowned Graduates—We See You.
The semester is closing.
Textbooks are slamming shut. Finals are over. Coffee cups are empty. Tea mugs? Still half-full—because hope runs deep.
Whether you just walked across a stage in cap and gown…
Or barely crawled across the finish line with a B-minus and a nervous twitch—you made it.
And that matters.
Here at The Mitragynist, we raise our cups to you.
To the late-night note-crammers, the essay warriors, the group project survivors.
To the ones who brewed the leaf at midnight and whispered, “just one more hour.”
To those who didn’t finish this time—but will next time.
You’re part of this, too.
Kratom isn’t a shortcut.
It’s a companion.
It’s the little bit of calm in a swirling storm.
It’s the reason some of you made it through 18 credit hours, two part-time jobs, and still remembered to eat… occasionally.
This journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence.
Leaf by leaf. Page by page. Step by step.
And if you’re here—still trying, still learning, still waking up and showing up—then you’re doing it right.
Celebrate what you’ve done.
Forgive what you couldn’t.
And no matter what—keep going.
The world needs people like you.
People who keep pushing.
People who care enough to keep growing.
Take a breath. Sip something green. You’ve earned it. -
Digestive Drama and Botanical Bliss
Let’s Talk About Kratom and Pooping (Because Somebody Has To)
Look, we all love the leaf. It’s calm in the chaos. It’s relief in a cup. It’s focus, or peace, or “finally, I can function today.”
But let’s not pretend there’s not a shadow side to this herbal hero.
We’re talking about…
The Kratom Poops.
Or more accurately: The Lack Thereof.
If you’ve found yourself staring into the middle distance, wondering if your digestive system has been put on indefinite furlough—congrats. You’re not broken. You’re just backed up by botanicals.
Here’s the deal:
Kratom’s primary alkaloids—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—bind to the same opioid receptors that prescription pain meds do. And just like their pharmaceutical cousins, they can slow your gut way down.
So what can you do to get back on track?
Tip #1: Hydrate Like You Mean It
Drinking plenty of non-alcoholic liquids is your first line of defense. Kratom’s natural dehydrating effect can dry you out faster than your ex at a dinner party. Water, herbal tea, electrolyte drinks—drink them all. Your colon will thank you.
Tip #2: Embrace the Power of the Poop Knife
Yes. It’s real. No, we didn’t invent it. If you know, you know. And if you don’t… well, let’s just say: sometimes, you need to call in the heavy artillery. It’s not glamorous. But it gets the job done.
Bonus Tips:
Add magnesium citrate to your routine. It helps move things along without being harsh.
Eat real food with fiber. Like fruit. Or actual vegetables. (We know, wild concept.)
Take breaks. Your system needs a breather too.
Kratom isn’t the enemy—being unprepared is.
So take care of your gut, hydrate like a champ, and maybe keep a Poop Knife on standby.
Because you deserve regularity.
You deserve movement.
You deserve… a stress-free #2. -
Good Morning, You Resilient Cup of Tea
Before the rush. Before the scrolling. Before the emails and obligations and everything else that pulls at your time and energy—pause.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Feel that? That’s you, still here. Still trying. Still showing up.
Some mornings, victory doesn’t look like conquering a mountain. It looks like rolling out of bed and making yourself a cup of something warm and familiar. A small act of intention in a world that rarely slows down.
Maybe your tea today is green and earthy, a little bitter, a little grounding. Maybe it’s part of a ritual now—a scoop, a stir, a sip, a soft sigh that says:
“Okay. I can do today.”
Because the truth is: you’re doing better than you think.
You woke up with weight on your shoulders, maybe in your joints or your thoughts or somewhere deeper, and still—you chose to greet the day.
That matters.
That counts.
Let’s talk about the leaf for a second. Not as a miracle, not as a cure-all, but as a companion.
Mitragynine, the primary alkaloid in Kratom, works with your body—not against it. It’s gentle, but steady. It’s not about escape; it’s about support.
For some, it brings focus.
For others, relief.
For many, it’s the bridge between “I can’t do this” and “Maybe I can.”
And sometimes, maybe is all you need to get moving.
We live in a world that rewards speed and perfection, but healing? Healing is slow. It’s quiet. It’s often invisible.
So if no one’s told you lately:
You’re not lazy. You’re healing.
You’re not weak. You’re recovering.
You’re not alone. Not even close.
Drink your tea slowly today.
Let it remind you of the power in stillness, in being present, in choosing yourself—even if just for five quiet minutes.
Don’t chase perfection.
Chase presence.
Then chase your next small win, whatever that looks like today.
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to breathe.
You are allowed to start again—every single morning. -
Kratom Takes the Global Stage: Scientific Insights at the UN CND
On March 14, 2025, during the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UN CND) in Vienna, the American Kratom Association (AKA) hosted a pivotal side event titled “Kratom: A Critical Scientific Update on Safety and Potential Benefits for Consumers.” This session brought together leading scientists and researchers to present the latest findings on kratom’s safety profile and potential therapeutic benefits.
🔬 Key Scientific Highlights
Safety Profile: Researchers emphasized that kratom, when used responsibly, has a favorable safety profile. Studies indicate that kratom’s primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, exhibit partial agonist activity at opioid receptors, potentially reducing the risk of respiratory depression compared to traditional opioids.
Therapeutic Potential: Presentations highlighted kratom’s potential in managing chronic pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Clinical observations suggest that kratom may serve as a harm-reduction tool for individuals seeking alternatives to conventional opioids.
Regulatory Considerations: Experts advocated for evidence-based regulations that acknowledge kratom’s benefits while ensuring consumer safety. They cautioned against blanket bans, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between natural kratom products and adulterated or synthetic versions.
🗣️ Notable Quote
Dr. Jack Henningfield, a prominent researcher in the field, stated:
“The World Health Organization expert committee on drug dependence got it right in 2021—they said the evidence does not support scheduling.”
📚 Access to the Research
For those interested in delving deeper into the scientific discussions, the following resources provide comprehensive information:
American Kratom Association UN CND Presentation: Detailed information about the side event, including speaker bios and presentation summaries.
YouTube Recording of the Presentation: A full video recording of the side event is available for viewing.
WHO Pre-Review Report on Kratom: An in-depth analysis by the World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, assessing kratom’s pharmacology, toxicology, and potential for abuse.
Kratom Safety and Toxicology in the Public Health Context: A peer-reviewed article examining kratom’s safety profile and its implications for public health.
Verideon 