Sythentic "kratom" is not kratom and synthetic THC is not marijuana, but the association is unavoidable.
Natural kratom is a useful and safe herbal remedy for pain that reduces the need for opiates. My wife and I have both used it for years to manage chronic pain. It has been a great boon.
Florida took a middle road between the two extremes - they banned the dangerous synthetic "kratom" and the natural kratom leaf remains legal. I think this is a good compromise.