Stay Cool & Save Big!
Stay Cool & Save Big!
A previous blog examined the kratom legislation that states have already passed and implemented. Kratom leaves contain two compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydromitragynine (7-OH), that can have opioid-like effects in higher doses. We do not sell or ship kratom to any state, county, city, or country where kratom is prohibited or restricted by law.
No matter how hard he's tried, the 28-year-old said he can't stop taking a kratom supplement called Feel Free. L.A. County health officials are linking three local deaths to the consumption of that synthetic compound where alcohol was also present. Once these products are identified during an investigation, they are embargoed or destroyed. The federal agency’s recommendation will be reviewed by the DEA, which ultimately has the authority to categorize the chemical as an illegal drug but not without a draft of its findings, followed by a public comment period. The FDA is particularly concerned with the growing market of 7-OH products that may be especially appealing to children and teenagers, such as fruit-flavored gummies and ice cream cones that aren’t clearly labeled as having 7-OH content. The ingredient is being used in products that are becoming increasingly available to purchase online and at smoke shops, the agency warned.
But, the FDA also stated "..it is not focused on natural kratom leaf products." Claims that kratom and VR Kratom 7-OH products can treat pain, anxiety and opioid withdrawal are unproven. Within the industry, manufacturers of products made from the leaf regularly spar with the makers of synthetic versions like 7-OH over how kratom should be regulated.
Proudly made in the U.S.A. with 100% natural Mitragyna speciosa and fresh-from-the-tropics kava — a clean and effective experience in every bottle! Start your well-being routine with Real Botanicals Kratom and Kava Shots (150mg) for gentle yet potent support. However, not everyone supports regulation or a ban. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A new push aims to regulate a popular drug sold in smoke shops around Tennessee. Kratom itself remains legal in many states and is widely used as an herbal supplement.
“These people find it difficult to control their use of kratom and experience opioid-like withdrawal symptoms when they stop.” “In the past two years, I have noticed an increased number of people coming to my clinic for the treatment of kratom addiction,” Volpicelli said. Its popularity has soared in the US in recent years, with many turning to it as a so-called natural fix for pain, anxiety, depression and even to kick opioid addiction. Available widely in gas stations and convenience stores across the US, the opioid-like substance is drawing scrutiny for its potent effects and high risk of abuse. This approach keeps our products aligned with the regulatory distinction between natural and synthetic, while delivering the potency experienced users seek. The FDA's scheduling recommendation and most state restrictions target concentrated and synthetic 7-OH, not natural kratom.
The bill is named for a Chattanooga man whose 2024 death was linked to an interaction between kratom and prescription medication. “When it comes to these synthetic compounds, it's like we're playing whack-a-mole," said Rep. Sean Brennan (D-Parma) at the JCARR meeting in April. "We ban one and they create another. Lawmakers have long said they struggle with keeping up with the rapid evolution of synthetic substances.
“Unfortunately, the reality is with opioids these days and despite the excellent treatments that we have, a lot of patients don’t want those treatments,” said Hill. “We have three excellent medications for opioid use disorder,” he said, referring to buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. “Kratom is really dangerous and harmful and there are case reports of people dying from it,” said Wakeman. “It is sometimes astonishing amounts that people are ingesting thinking that they are doing something that is better because they’re not using methamphetamines,” she said. She added that if those patients don’t work on their substance use disorder, they can “continue to elevate the amount that they take.”
“But with kratom, I can at least function,” he continued. It will take me 30 minutes just to get out of bed,” said one man from Meridian who said he owns an online kratom shop. One individual from Meridian said her 23-year-old daughter died in Bonneville County in March 2025, from an overdose of mitragynine — the primary psychoactive alkaloid found in kratom.
Botanic Tonics, the company that makes Feel Free, said their product only contains natural whole leaf kratom and limits 7-OH content to 1%. Besides being potentially addictive, doctors warn that kratom, a substance that comes from a tropical tree in Southeast Asia, could have serious health consequences. “Although illegal to sell or manufacture for consumption, we are still finding kratom and 7-OH products for sale in gas stations, smoke shops, online and other retailers. “Consumers who responsibly use natural kratom leaf fear losing access because of the reckless actions of those selling dangerous synthetics falsely marketed as natural kratom.” Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) proposed Assembly Bill 2365 that would require kratom products be registered with the public health department.
“Instead of a mild opioid effect, people are developing significant tolerance and even overdosing.” “It’s still an opioid and can cause tolerance, dependence, and addiction.” “Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe,” Moss says.
