Missouri AG launches investigation into state kratom distributers
Olivia Hayes
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has started a statewide investigation into numerous kratom manufacturers and distributors operating in Missouri.
In a news release, Hanaway said the investigation follows reports that kratom consumers may be exposed to unapproved and unsafe opioid-like drugs that have been marketed with deceptive methods.
“We are deeply concerned that Missourians are being sold drug-like substances under the guise of harmless supplements, with no FDA approval, no safety testing, and in some cases no meaningful disclosure of what these products actually contain,” Hanaway said in the release. “Companies that mislead consumers or place them at risk will be held accountable.”
Kratom is derived from the leaves of the mitragyna speciosa plant and is often marketed as a “natural supplement.” However, kratom products vary widely in their potency and purity, with many containing levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine far exceeding what occurs naturally in the plant, officials say.
Reported side effects include death (with some cases in Missouri), dependency, seizures, heart complications, liver toxicity and other serious medical harms.
The Attorney General’s Office has issued six civil investigative demands to companies believed to be manufacturing, distributing or selling kratom products unlawfully.
The demands are being served on MNG 2005 Inc., doing business as CBD Kratom; The Green Dragon LLC, also known as The Green Dragon CBD; Emporium Inc., doing business as Emporium Smoke Shop; and Moonlight Smoke Shop LLC. CBD American Shaman LLC and Shaman Botanicals LLC were also listed for selling high-potency 7-OH kratom products.
Federal authorities seized thousands of bottles, shots, tablets and packets containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, from CBD American Shaman, the Kansas City Star reported.
The civil investigative demands require each company to disclose detailed information about how its products are manufactured, labeled and marketed. They also have to list all ingredients used, any representations regarding safety, health effects, and “safe” dosage levels. Communications with consumers about adverse effects and any materials showing whether the company sold unapproved new drugs in violation of federal or state law will need to be included as well.
The attorney general is also seeking information to determine whether these businesses failed to disclose the presence of psychoactive substances such as 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Missourians who believe they were misled or harmed by kratom products are encouraged to file a complaint. The AG’s office tells ABC 17 News it expects to start receiving responses to the investigative demands around Dec. 19.
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