Missouri's crackdown on kratom has escalated with Attorney General Catherine Hanaway's office issuing new civil demands to local retailers. The move, which involves serving six additional Civil Investigative Demands (CID), follows reports that businesses may be selling potent, opioid-like substances labeled as safe, natural supplements. In a firm stance to protect consumer health and safety, Hanaway's expansion of the investigation targets a growing concern over the murky legality and potential dangers of kratom consumption.
An array of smoke shops across Missouri are now under scrutiny, including prominent sellers such as EDP Kratom, doing business as Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC, and others in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Ballwin. As outlined in a statement obtained by the Missouri Attorney General's Office, these businesses are being questioned for their manufacturing, labeling, and marketing practices related to kratom products. Highlighting the gravity of the issue, Hanaway stated, "Our Office will not back down against businesses that choose to profit by selling powerful psychoactive compounds outside the law."
The investigation's scope zeroes in on compounds such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—active ingredients in kratom that can mimic the effects of opioids. With a diverse range of products on the market, consumers are often left in the dark regarding kratom's potency and purity, leading to serious health threats that have allegedly resulted in fatalities and other adverse effects within the state.
Kratom's regulatory status hangs in a balance, as no product has gained FDA approval for medical use. Yet, its availability in smoke shops and online storefronts has not ceased. Ensuing CIDs compel these retailers to provide comprehensive details of their products' contents and claims, bringing to light practices that might contravene state and federal laws. Missourians who suspect they've been deceived or harmed by these products are urged to voice their experiences.
