A major American legal settlement has highlighted serious concerns about American kratom wellness products marketed as healthy alternatives to alcohol, with US company Botanic Tonics agreeing to pay $8.75 million following allegations that their Feel Free tonic contained dangerously addictive substances.

Deceptive Marketing Claims

The American class action lawsuit revealed that American kratom wellness products were being promoted to vulnerable consumers, particularly those in recovery from alcohol addiction. Botanic Tonics allegedly marketed Feel Free Wellness Tonic as a safe, sober alternative to alcohol whilst concealing that its primary ingredient was kratom—a substance that US regulatory agencies classify as an opioid-like drug.

According to court documents, these herbal opioid drinks contained more than twice as much kratom as kava, the plant ingredient prominently featured in marketing materials. The lawsuit claimed that companies deliberately avoided mentioning kratom in their advertising to prevent consumers from discovering the scientific consensus about its potentially harmful effects.

Targeting Vulnerable Populations

Perhaps most concerning was how kratom wellness products were specifically marketed to individuals struggling with sobriety. The lawsuit described how Botanic Tonics used social media campaigns tagged with “#alcoholalternative” and statements like “all the buzz without the booze” to attract consumers seeking healthier lifestyle choices.

Botanic Tonics promoted these herbal opioid drinks through partnerships with American universities, sports teams, and social media influencers, often distributing them through free giveaways on college campuses. The marketing strategy appeared designed to build a young consumer base whilst also targeting those with histories of substance abuse.

Hidden Health Risks

The legal case highlighted significant safety concerns surrounding American kratom wellness products and their potential for causing dependence. According to the lawsuit, kratom triggers the same opioid receptors as narcotics like morphine, and the high concentrations in Feel Free could lead to physiological dependence similar to other opioids.

Users of these herbal opioid drinks reported side effects ranging from nausea, sweating, and sleep problems to more serious consequences including seizures, high blood pressure, liver failure, and even cardiac arrest. The lawsuit emphasised that companies failed to adequately warn consumers about these potentially dangerous health impacts.

Personal Impact Stories

The case included testimony from a California resident who had maintained sobriety since 2014 but became addicted to American kratom wellness products after seeing targeted social media advertisements. Within three months of first trying Feel Free, he reportedly became dependent on the product and experienced severe withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop.

The situation deteriorated further when the individual relapsed into alcohol use in 2022 whilst trying to cope with his addiction to these herbal opioid drinks. He subsequently required medical detox treatment for opioid addiction and admission to a rehabilitation centre, losing his job and experiencing severe impacts on his family relationships.

Corporate Responsibility

The American settlement reflects broader concerns about how regulators oversee American kratom wellness products and how companies market them. Despite claims that Feel Free was manufactured in an “FDA-regulated facility,” the lawsuit argued this was misleading since the Food and Drug Administration had not approved or regulated the product itself.

In fact, American regulatory agencies have explicitly warned about herbal opioid drinks containing kratom, with the FDA maintaining that kratom poses dangers to public health. The case highlighted the gap between manufacturing facility regulations and actual product oversight for these substances.

Partnership Concerns

The lawsuit also implicated American retail giant 7-Eleven, alleging that the company provided Botanic Tonics with insider knowledge about store operations to more effectively market American kratom wellness products. This partnership was described as helping to expand the reach of potentially harmful substances to vulnerable consumers.

The case suggested that 7-Eleven’s involvement amplified the public health impact of these herbal opioid drinks by making them more widely available and accessible to consumers who might not otherwise encounter them.

Recovery Community Impact

The legal settlement highlighted how kratom wellness products have affected individuals working to maintain sobriety. Many consumers who purchased these drinks believed they were choosing a healthy alternative that would support their recovery goals, only to find themselves facing new addiction challenges.

Online testimonials cited in the lawsuit described how herbal opioid drinks “perpetuated the very addiction they sought to avoid,” creating a tragic irony for people who thought they were making positive health choices. This pattern underscores the importance of transparent labelling and honest marketing in the wellness industry.

Prevention and Education Needs

The case demonstrates the critical importance of education about substance ingredients, particularly for products marketed as wellness or health alternatives. Consumers need clear, accurate information to make informed decisions about American kratom wellness products and understand potential risks.

The settlement also highlights how vulnerable populations require additional protection from misleading marketing of herbal opioid drinks. People in recovery from substance abuse disorders may be particularly susceptible to products marketed as safe alternatives, making honest advertising essential for public health.

Industry Accountability

This $8.75 million American settlement sends a strong message about corporate responsibility in marketing kratom wellness products. Companies can no longer hide behind vague labelling or misleading health claims when promoting substances with known addiction potential.

The case establishes important precedents for how regulators should oversee herbal opioid drinks and how companies should market them, particularly requiring transparency about ingredients and honest communication about potential health risks.

Source: Class Action