“We have to stop criminalizing plants that are helping people. Kratom gave me my life back—and everyone deserves the freedom to choose natural healing without fear or shame.”
— Christopher Deaney
In a world increasingly turning to natural remedies for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and the aftermath of opioid dependence, Kratom has emerged as one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—plants. At the center of this growing movement is Christopher Deaney, founder of Christopher’s Organic Botanicals, who is using his voice, platform, and personal journey to educate the public and fight for the legalization and responsible use of Kratom. After enduring years of chronic pain and suffering a heart attack in his thirties, Christopher stumbled upon Kratom while searching for alternative wellness solutions. What began as a personal discovery quickly evolved into a life mission: to shine a light on a plant that gave him his life back.
In this compelling interview, Christopher opens up about the rollercoaster journey of Kratom in the U.S., debunks widespread myths, and reveals the science-backed benefits that mainstream medicine has largely overlooked. From legal battles and policy reform to community empowerment and real-life success stories, this conversation is more than an education—it’s a call to action. For anyone seeking natural healing or curious about Kratom’s true potential, this is an essential read.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you for having me. I genuinely appreciate the chance to share this journey. Everything really began when I was just eight years old and was struck by a car, resulting in injuries that left me with chronic pain for years to come. From that young age, I was put on opioid medications to manage the pain—something that became a normal part of my life for the next 15 years. As I grew older, I eventually transitioned off opioids, relying on prescription Aleve to manage my discomfort. It worked to a degree, but that too came with health risks. At age 36, I suffered a heart attack, which was a major wake-up call and turning point in my life. A few years into my recovery, I started exploring natural alternatives and ordered a variety of herbs and plants online for pain relief and relaxation. In that batch, I received a sample of something I hadn’t heard of before—Kratom. The first time I tried it, I brewed it into a tea and was blown away. Within 20 minutes, I felt calm, focused, and more in control of my pain than I had in years. That moment changed everything. It ignited a passion in me to learn everything I could about this plant and eventually led to the creation of Christopher’s Organic Botanicals, where we focus on educating others and providing high-quality, responsibly sourced Kratom.
You started using Kratom in 2015. What was your first experience like?
It was nothing short of transformational. I had been exploring different herbal remedies to see what might ease my pain and improve my quality of life. Kratom was included as a sample with some other products I had ordered, but I didn’t even touch it for a few months because I wasn’t familiar with it. One day, I finally decided to brew a cup of it just to see what it was. The result was astonishing. About 20 minutes after drinking it, my entire body relaxed in a way I hadn’t experienced in years. I had this peaceful calmness, but also mental clarity and focus. Most impressively, my pain dropped from about an eight to a three. I was so stunned that I started asking myself, “What is this? Why is no one talking about it?” That first cup opened the door to a completely new chapter of my life.
What makes Kratom different from opioids or other pain relievers?
The key difference lies in how Kratom interacts with the body. While it does touch on the opioid receptors, it doesn’t bind to them in the same way traditional opioids do, which means it doesn’t come with the same dangerous side effects—especially the risk of respiratory depression. Kratom affects multiple systems in the body at once, offering a unique combination of pain relief, relaxation, and mental focus. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which often dull your senses or make you feel disconnected, Kratom allows you to remain alert and functional. It doesn’t take all the pain away, but for someone living with chronic discomfort, reducing it from an eight to a four or five is life-changing. It lets you move through the day without constantly being limited or distracted by pain.
So what inspired you to launch Christopher’s Organic Botanicals?
Once I realized how effective Kratom was for me, I knew I had to share it with others. I kept asking myself why more people didn’t know about it. When I started doing more research, I realized how much misinformation was out there—and how many people were either afraid of it or using it incorrectly. I wanted to create a safe, educational space where people could not only buy high-quality Kratom but also learn how to use it responsibly and understand its long history of traditional use. That’s how Christopher’s Organic Botanicals was born. It wasn’t just about selling a product—it was about providing real education, clarity, and community around a misunderstood plant.
What’s been the biggest misconception you’ve encountered about Kratom?
The biggest misconception is that Kratom is dangerous or that it’s used to get high. That couldn’t be further from the truth. A lot of this fear came from a tragic incident in Sweden back in 2009 where a product called “Krypton” was being marketed as Kratom. It turned out that it had been laced with tramadol, a synthetic opioid. Sadly, people died because of the tramadol, but the media blamed Kratom, and the damage was done. That story spread quickly, and as a result, companies like Amazon and GNC stopped selling it. Several U.S. states followed by banning it, even though Kratom itself was not the cause of those deaths. Separating myth from reality has been a major part of my work ever since.
Let’s talk about legality. Why is Kratom still illegal in certain U.S. states?
It all boils down to misinformation and premature reactions. In the early 2010s, Kratom was widely available, even in mainstream supplement stores. But as media stories linking it to those earlier deaths started surfacing, some states moved quickly to ban it, expecting the DEA to classify it as a Schedule I substance. In 2016, the DEA did attempt to do just that—but they were met with massive resistance. Over 140,000 people signed a petition and thousands more shared their personal stories of how Kratom had improved their lives. Thanks to that overwhelming public support, the DEA backed off. Still, some states had already put their bans in place and never looked back, even as scientific understanding evolved. It’s frustrating because new research continues to show that Kratom is not the threat it was once made out to be.
Do you see any parallels between Kratom and the journey of cannabis toward legalization?
Absolutely. The similarities are striking. Both plants were vilified based on economic and political interests rather than scientific evidence. In Thailand, Kratom was banned in the 1930s not because it was harmful, but because it was cutting into the government’s profits from the opium trade. At the same time, cannabis was being outlawed in the U.S. for reasons that had more to do with politics than public safety. Now, decades later, both are being re-evaluated and legalized in their home countries and beyond. Thailand has already re-legalized both cannabis and Kratom. Indonesia recently began regulating Kratom for export. So the global view is shifting—we’re just a little slower to catch up here in the United States.
How can someone new to Kratom use it safely and responsibly?
Start slow and stay informed. Education is the most important part of using Kratom responsibly. Begin with a low dose to see how your body responds. Always use plain leaf Kratom—not the synthetic or enhanced versions that can cause problems and misrepresent what the plant actually does. Make sure you’re buying from a reputable vendor that lab tests their products for safety and quality. Kratom isn’t about chasing a high—it’s about improving quality of life, naturally and gently.
How do you stay updated on the latest research?
I’ve made it a priority to keep up with every new piece of science that comes out. I constantly update the educational pages and blog on our website to reflect the latest research. The science is evolving, and what we knew five or even two years ago has shifted. New studies have helped validate the benefits of Kratom and disprove a lot of the myths. I try to ensure that our customers and followers have access to accurate, up-to-date information—not exaggerated claims, just facts backed by science.
What role does community advocacy play in Kratom’s future?
It’s everything. Without the community coming together in 2016, Kratom would likely have been banned nationwide. That movement showed how powerful storytelling and grassroots advocacy can be. If Kratom has positively impacted your life, don’t stay silent—share your experience. Write to your representatives. Support organizations like the American Kratom Association. Every voice matters, and the more people speak up, the harder it becomes for misinformation to thrive.
Can you share a success story that really stands out to you?
Yes—my friend Venus is one of the most inspiring people I’ve met through this work. She used to be housebound due to intense anxiety and chronic pain. She found me online while searching for Kratom, and it turned out she lived just across the bridge from me. We met in person, and after learning about Kratom, she started incorporating it into her daily routine. Over time, it gave her the courage and mental clarity to step outside again. She now travels with us to Washington, D.C. to advocate for Kratom, speaks on podcasts, and shares her story with lawmakers. She still uses a walker and faces challenges, but Kratom gave her back her voice—and her freedom. That’s the kind of impact this plant can have.
What are the next steps in Kratom advocacy?
To be honest, it’s hard to say. I thought we had turned the tide after 2016, but here we are still fighting misinformation and battling for legitimacy. Still, the science is on our side, and the community is stronger than ever. The next step is to continue pushing for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in more states, educate lawmakers, and highlight real success stories. We need to normalize this conversation so Kratom is seen for what it is—a natural alternative that’s changing lives.
What final thoughts would you like to leave with our readers?
We have to stop criminalizing nature. Whether or not Kratom is for you personally, there are thousands of people who rely on it for their physical and emotional well-being. Everyone should have the freedom to choose what works best for their body—especially when it comes from the earth and has been used for centuries. Let’s fight to preserve our right to access these plants so future generations don’t lose them due to ignorance or profit-driven policies.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can visit www.ChristophersOrganicBotanicals.com to read our blog, learn about Kratom, and purchase our lab-tested, high-quality products. If you have any questions, you can also text or call us directly at 609-202-6880 or 856-581-1265. We’re here to answer questions and support anyone looking for safe, natural alternatives.
Thank you so much for being here and shedding light on the truth about Kratom. Your insights, personal journey, and advocacy have made this an incredibly powerful and eye-opening conversation.
Thank you. It’s truly been an honor. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my story and advocate for something I believe in so strongly. If this conversation helps even one person find relief, clarity, or hope, then it’s all been worth it. Let’s keep moving forward and fighting for access to the healing power of nature.
