JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Attorney General of Missouri has initiated an investigation into six companies over concerns regarding the sale of kratom products that may pose serious health risks. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway revealed the decision on Thursday, stating that her office is examining manufacturers and distributors of these goods, which are often marketed as natural supplements but may contain compounds similar to opioids.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the plant Mitragyna speciosa, has drawn scrutiny due to its claimed safety and purity. However, Hanaway expressed grave concerns about products that lack FDA approval and quality testing. “We are committed to protecting the public from misleading practices that could risk their well-being,” she emphasized. Hanaway added that accountability measures will be enforced against companies that mislead consumers regarding their products.
The investigation has led to the issuance of Civil Investigative Demands to six businesses in Missouri, including prominent distributors like CBD Kratom and The Green Dragon CBD. Collectively, these companies reach numerous customers through both physical stores and online platforms. Notably, two of the firms involved are based in Kansas City and are known for manufacturing and distributing kratom products with high levels of a psychoactive compound called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
The potential dangers associated with kratom are of increasing concern to health officials. The Attorney General’s Office has cited alarming side effects linked to these products, which can include dependency, seizures, heart issues, liver damage, and even death. Hanaway remarked that the consumption of kratom products with elevated levels of 7-OH could have tragic consequences, as several Missouri residents have reportedly died after using such substances.
In response to the investigation, companies are required to submit detailed documentation regarding their manufacturing practices, product labels, ingredient lists, and any claims related to safety or efficacy. Investigators will also assess whether these businesses have adhered to state and federal regulations regarding the sale of substances that could be classified as unapproved drugs.
Hanaway assured the public that her office’s primary mission is to safeguard consumer health. “When businesses engage in the sale of unregulated, addictive products while concealing their risks, they break the trust of Missouri families,” she stated. The Attorney General urged anyone who feels they have been harmed or misled by kratom products to file a complaint with her office.
As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing debate over the safety and regulation of kratom, stirring discussions among health experts and consumers alike. With no kratom product possessing FDA approval for medical use, the future may include stricter regulations to protect public health in Missouri and beyond.