JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s Attorney General has initiated an investigation into six companies linked to the distribution of kratom products, which health officials warn may pose significant health risks to consumers. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced the action on Thursday, expressing concern that these substances are being improperly marketed as safe dietary supplements while containing compounds similar to opioids.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant, has gained popularity as an alternative remedy. However, Hanaway highlighted that the products sold under the kratom label often lack adequate safety testing and may contain dangerously high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent psychoactive component. “Many of these products could be misleading consumers about their safety and efficacy,” she said.
The companies being investigated include well-known distributors such as MNG 2005 Inc., The Green Dragon LLC, and CBD American Shaman LLC, among others. These firms are accused of violating state law, and the Attorney General’s office has issued Civil Investigative Demands requiring detailed disclosure of their manufacturing practices, labeling, and marketing methods.
State officials noted that these distributors collectively reach thousands of consumers across Missouri through both brick-and-mortar stores and online platforms. The potential risks associated with kratom have prompted health officials to caution users about its addictive properties and serious side effects. Dependency, seizures, heart complications, liver toxicity, and even fatalities have been associated with kratom use, further amplifying the investigation’s urgency.
Hanaway pointed out that no kratom product currently has approval from the Food and Drug Administration for medical use, a fact that raises further alarm. “We are committed to ensuring transparency in consumer products, particularly those that could harm our citizens,” she stated.
The investigation aims to determine whether the companies failed to disclose the presence of harmful ingredients, such as 7-OH, and violated any safety guidelines. The Civil Investigative Demands require each company to submit comprehensive ingredient lists, safety claims, and consumer complaint records.
As public concern grows over the safety of kratom, the Attorney General’s office encourages anyone who believes they have been misled or harmed by these products to report their experiences. “Our goal is to protect Missouri families from substances that jeopardize their health and well-being,” Hanaway reaffirmed.
This investigation highlights a rising scrutiny of kratom and similar products in various states, reflecting an increasing awareness of the challenges posed by supplement regulation and consumer safety. The outcome may influence not only the companies involved but could also set a precedent for future regulation of kratom and its derivatives.