How long should my letter be?

One page. Be clear, respectful, and specific about your ask.

Should I email or mail my letter?

Both work. Email reaches staff quickly, while paper letters are formally logged.

Write a Letter to Your Lawmaker

Your voice matters. A short, personal letter from a parent or community member is one of the most effective ways to move policy. This guide shows you what to say, how to say it, and gives you a copy-ready template you can send today.

Quick Tools

Find your officials
All Elected Officials (USA.gov) U.S. House U.S. Senate

Form letters by topic
Kratom Tianeptine Phenibut Hallucinogens

Tip: Email and paper letters both work. Email reaches staff fast; paper is formally logged.

How to Write an Effective Letter

1) Know your goal. Do you want the lawmaker to support a bill, introduce one, or ask the Health Department for a warning? Your goal shapes the tone and the ask.

2) Use a simple structure. Greeting → Who you are → What’s happening → Why it matters → What you want → Thanks + contact info.

3) Make it personal. One short story is more memorable than five statistics. Add one sentence about how local families are affected.

4) Be specific in the ask. “Please support legislation to restrict or ban retail sales of unapproved psychoactive products such as kratom and tianeptine” or “Please request a DOH advisory.”

5) Keep it short. One page. Clear. Respectful. Thank them for their time and offer to share resources at MothersAgainstHerbalAbuse.org.

Copy-Ready Template

Edit the fields in [brackets], then click Copy or Open Email.

The Honorable [First Last Name]
[Title] [Chamber]
[Address]

Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],

I am a [pharmacist / parent / constituent] from [City, State], and I am writing to share my concern about the sale of unregulated “herbal” and gas-station drugs such as kratom and tianeptine. These products are being sold openly in gas stations and vape shops across our state, often packaged to appeal to young people and marketed as “natural supplements.” Despite the innocent labeling, they can cause addiction, withdrawal, and serious medical emergencies.

As a [pharmacist / parent / health professional], I have seen firsthand how easy access to these substances harms families. Many parents have no idea these products are legal or that they’re displayed beside candy, energy drinks, and other everyday items. The lack of oversight, age restrictions, and accurate labeling has turned ordinary retail settings into gateways for dangerous drug exposure.

I respectfully ask that you [support bill ___ / introduce legislation / request a Department of Health advisory] to restrict or ban the retail sale of unapproved psychoactive substances such as kratom and tianeptine—or at least require clear labeling, testing, and age limits.
For additional information and references, I encourage you to review the educational resources available at MothersAgainstHerbalAbuse.org.

Thank you for your time and for your commitment to protecting public health. I appreciate your attention to this urgent issue and hope you will take action to close the “gas-station drug” loophole.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City, State]
[Your Email / Phone]

Tips for Impact

One page wins. Clear, respectful, and specific beats long and technical.

Facts + emotion. A single data point plus a short story is memorable and persuasive.

Follow up. Send a thank-you, ask for a meeting, or attend office hours. Staff are your allies.

Send to multiple targets. City/County Council, State Reps/Senators, and your U.S. House/Senators.