Attorney General Hanaway Files Suit Against American Shaman for Unlawfully Manufacturing and Selling Deadly Opioid 7-OH

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Due to the devastating harms of the opioid epidemic, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed suit against CBD American Shaman (American Shaman) and a web of companies connected to it. The action arises from the Defendants’ manufacture, distribution, and retail sale of kratom and its alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (“7-OH”).

“Missourians, including those struggling with opioid addiction, are being dangerously misled into believing that 7-OH is predictable, safe, and natural. This could not be more untrue,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “It is my job to protect Missourians and it is clear 7-OH is a hazardous opioid.”

The Attorney General’s petition, filed in collaboration with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), asserts that American Shaman markets these drugs—commonly available in Missouri gas stations and smoke shops—without the safety testing and regulatory approvals required by state and federal law. The petition further alleges that American Shaman fails to adequately disclose the risks associated with these drugs, including addiction, withdrawal, and overdose. Some of the company’s product labels downplay the risk of addiction and completely fail to mention the risk of overdose.

Mitragynine and 7-OH are alkaloids derived from mitragyna speciosa, a plant commonly referred to as “kratom.” 7-OH is often extracted and consumed in concentrated forms to magnify the psychoactive effects of kratom. 7-OH is an unapproved, unsafe, addictive, and deceptively marketed drug that functions like an opiate.

On November 20, 2025, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office publicly launched its investigation into these dangerous drugs. As part of that effort, the Attorney General’s Office issued civil investigative demands to American Shaman, indicating that the Office had reason to believe that the manufacturing, distribution and sale of kratom and 7-OH products was a violation of state law. Just weeks later, the United States Justice Department announced that it had seized thousands of 7-OH products from American Shaman’s warehouses. Despite these repeated warnings, American Shaman has continued its unlawful behavior. Moreover, American Shaman advertises “free samples” of 7-OH despite its addictive nature, and frequently without disclosing the risk of addiction in its marketing.

“7-Hydroxy from kratom is often marketed as a natural or harmless product, but its risks are very real,” said DHSS Chief Medical Officer Heidi Miller, MD. “We continue to see serious health consequences linked to its use, including dependency, dangerous interactions with other substances and life-threatening toxicity. It’s important for Missourians to understand that ‘natural’ does not always mean safe. Cocaine (from the coca leaf) and morphine (from the opium poppy flower) also come from ‘natural’ sources but are likewise addictive and deadly. We urge individuals to seek evidence-based treatments if they suffer from pain or substance-use concerns.”

American Shaman overstates the safety of its products. Many Missourians fall victim to the misconception that 7-OH a natural alternative to other opioids. The FDA reports that “7-OH produces respiratory depression with more than 3-fold greater potency than morphine.” Just last week, the CDC published data showing that annual hospitalizations from kratom exposure increased by 1,200 percent from 2015 to 2025. These products have resulted in the deaths of Missouri residents, and DHSS has warned Missourians against using 7-OH.

“As a mom, I want to speak truthfully and honestly about these drugs: Over-the-counter opioids are not harmless, they are devastating Missouri families,” said Attorney General Catherine Hanaway. “We owe it to our communities to hold accountable those who market and distribute these products unlawfully.”

The Attorney General’s Office is asking the Court to declare that American Shaman’s practices violate the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, to enjoin American Shaman from advertising, selling, or providing kratom and 7-OH products, and to penalize the companies $1,000 per violation.

General Hanaway will continue to root out dangerous and illegal activities that threaten the wellbeing of consumers across the State of Missouri. Missourians who believe they have been harmed by these drugs are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Office by calling the Consumer Protection hotline at 800-392-8222 or to submit an online complaint at ago.mo.gov.

The full lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Jackson County can be read here.

The press conference announcing this action can be viewed at General Hanaway’s Facebook page.

The statewide investigation expansion into kratom manufacturers and retailers from December, 2025 can be read here.