#876 - Chris Bell

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Chris Bell's Journey from Opiate Addiction to Advocating for Kratom

  • Chris Bell shares his struggle with prescription pill addiction and his search for alternatives.
  • He discusses how Kratom, a natural plant, helped him transition away from opiates without severe withdrawal symptoms.
  • Bell highlights the government's move to classify Kratom as a Schedule I drug despite its long history of safe use and effectiveness in pain relief.
• 00:04:38

  Senator Mark Pocan's Support for Kratom's Legality Amidst Controversial Regulations

  • Chris Bell recounts his conversation with Senator Mark Pocan, who advocates for the legalization of Kratom and marijuana.
  • Bell emphasizes the lack of evidence supporting harm from Kratom, citing zero overdose deaths linked to its use.
  • Discussion on the perceived dangers of Kratom contrasts with the negative effects of prescribed psych medications, which are often overlooked.
• 00:09:19

  Chris Discusses Kratom Research and Opiate Addiction Epidemic

  • Chris calls for more research on Kratom to address the opioid epidemic affecting one in seven Americans.
  • He shares personal experiences with addiction, including the impact on his girlfriend and a mother's remorse over her son's death, linking it to Kratom use.
  • Chris interviews DEA spokesperson Melvin Patterson about the lack of FDA research on Kratom, leading to pressure for its potential ban after public outcry.
• 00:15:47

  Chris Advocates for Kratom as a Natural Alternative in Addiction Recovery

  • Chris reveals his documentary showcasing the use of Kratom as a viable alternative for opiate addiction recovery.
  • He emphasizes the grassroots movement led by his friend Kelly Dunn to provide Kratom support for individuals lacking access to rehabilitation.
  • Chris critiques the increasing influence of Big Pharma and governmental restrictions that may complicate the legalization of organic Kratom.
• 00:19:06

  Chris’s Journey with Kratom: Healing from Pain and Addiction with Kelly's Guidance

  • Chris shares his struggle with pain and addiction, revealing he took 10 Advil daily and a friend who took 20.
  • His friend Kelly introduces him to kratom, leading to a miraculous relief from pain after just one use.
  • Chris discusses the benefits of kratom, such as mood elevation and blood pressure reduction, while addressing concerns about its effects on sobriety.
• 00:23:15

  Advocating for Kratom: Media's Role in Changing Perspectives on Natural Remedies

  • Chris emphasizes the pivotal role of media in changing public perceptions of substances like steroids and marijuana.
  • He argues for the legalization of kratom, comparing it to coffee in terms of safety and benefits.
  • Chris calls for more research on kratom and other natural plants to address addiction issues, highlighting a societal aversion to seeking relief through them.
• 00:27:09

  Chris and the Fight for Kratom: A Struggle Against Opiate Addiction and Government Greed

  • Chris discusses the importance of studying alternatives to opioids, citing kratom as a potential solution.
  • The narrative highlights a peculiar arrest involving kratom, emphasizing the confusion around its legal status.
  • The conversation critiques the DEA's and FDA's protection of their interests, suggesting that the motivation behind kratom's regulation is rooted in greed rather than safety.
• 00:34:56

  Unraveling the D'Shea Act: Chris's Quest to Preserve Kratom's Legal Status in America

  • Chris explains the implications of the D'Shea Act, which may protect kratom as a legal supplement due to its prior market presence.
  • He stresses the importance of proving kratom’s importation before 1994 to secure its legal grandfathering.
  • The discussion touches on the general public's ignorance regarding kratom and how misinformation contributes to its regulation challenges.
• 00:36:05

  The Kratom Controversy: Insights from the Interviewee on Addiction and Legalation

  • Discussion of a mother's experience with a baby born addicted to kratom, accentuating the lack of follow-up from sources.
  • Interview with a woman in Washington, D.C. whose baby was born addicted to opiates, showcasing the contrasting views on kratom's effects.
  • Exploration of kratom's legal status in Thailand, revealing historical ties to the opium trade and the impact on addiction treatment.
• 00:40:07

  Documentary Filmmaking and the Fight Against the Opioid Epidemic: A Call to Action

  • Filmmaker Christopher McCurdy from Ole Miss suggests kratom could be a solution to the opioid crisis.
  • Interview highlights frustrations regarding government actions against opioid manufacturers like Purdue Pharma.
  • A candid discussion on the documentary's mission to promote honest engagement with substance use and addiction.
• 00:45:46

  Mark Pocan's Fight for Kratom Legality Amidst Urban Ice Controversies

  • Discussion about the negative effects of unregulated Kratom products, particularly from Urban Ice Organics.
  • Congressman Mark Pocan from Wisconsin advocates for the legalization of Kratom in response to its ban in several states.
  • Concerns surrounding the lack of proper dietary supplement regulations and transparency from regulatory bodies like the FDA and DEA.
• 00:51:52

  Prescription Drug Risks vs. Kratom Benefits: A Doctor's Perspective

  • An incident is shared about a doctor whose son successfully transitioned from heroin to Kratom, finding sobriety and happiness.
  • The conversation highlights the dangers of prescription medications, like Vioxx, compared to the perceived safety of Kratom.
  • The need for more research into natural remedies like Kratom and marijuana is emphasized, advocating for a shift from pharmaceutical dependency.
• 00:54:34

  Kratom Controversy: Narconon and the Scientology Rehab Connection

  • Narconon, owned by Scientologists, aggressively markets rehab for Kratom addiction.
  • Some rehab centers, like Cliffside Malibu, do not promote Kratom addiction, highlighting their legitimacy.
  • Discussion of public perceptions of addiction, including personal anecdotes about rehab experiences with marijuana and Kratom.
• 01:00:47

  Kratom's Misunderstood Effects and the Danger of Polypharmacy

  • Kratom is often mistakenly linked to several deaths, largely due to polypharmacy with other drugs.
  • Possibility of Kratom detection in drug tests, although it's not categorized as an opiate.
  • Insights into the legal ramifications and societal impacts of Kratom usage, particularly in Thailand.
• 01:00:00

  Kratom Controversy: The Hidden Dangers Discussed by Experts

  • Kratom use may result in severe side effects, including respiratory depression and psychotic episodes.
  • Experts argue against the widespread belief of Kratom's danger, sharing personal experiences disputing common withdrawal symptoms.
  • The DEA's cautious approach reflects a misunderstanding of Kratom's popularity and potential benefits.
• 01:30:00

  Documentary Insights: Bernie Sanders and Orrin Hatch's Stance on Kratom

  • The upcoming documentary will reveal significant political figures, including Bernie Sanders, involved in Kratom legislation.
  • Conversations with community members showcase the diverse demographics advocating for Kratom's legality.
  • The film aims to challenge misconceptions while seeking expert opinions from lawmakers like Orrin Hatch and the DEA.
• 01:13:47

  Chris D'Elia Discusses Alternative Pain Management with Sam Harris

  • Chris D'Elia shares experiences with using a cannabis spray made by Jombo for pain management.
  • He emphasizes his preference for edibles over smoking pot due to personal concerns.
  • D'Elia promotes the need for a broader understanding of various substances, including CBDs which are non-psychoactive.
• 01:56:12

  Chris D'Elia Collaborates on 'A Leaf of Faith' Documentary about Kratom

  • D'Elia encourages listeners to engage with KratomComments.org for information on Kratom.
  • He mentions Melvin Patterson from DEA as a contact for more information.
  • The documentary titled 'A Leaf of Faith' aims to shed light on the benefits and discussions surrounding Kratom use.