Arizona Attorney General Sued Maker of Kratom Tonic
The lawsuit alleges the company failed to warn Arizona residents about the addiction and withdrawal risks of their tonic.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The Arizona Attorney General has filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Botanic Tonics, alleging the company misled consumers regarding its Feel Free kratom and kava product. The legal action follows concerns over the product's marketing practices and safety disclosures.
Why it matters
The lawsuit aims to address public health concerns linked to the widespread sale of kratom-containing beverages in the state. Regulators are scrutinizing whether the company's marketing, which targeted college students, adequately accounted for potential risks like addiction.
Official reports from the Arizona Department of Health Services documented 146 kratom-related deaths between 2020 and 2023. These findings are paired with millions of individual kratom shot sales in Arizona, though the precise correlation between specific products and fatalities remains under investigation.
The players
Arizona Attorney General
The state's top legal officer responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and overseeing public safety initiatives.
Botanic Tonics
The manufacturer of the herbal tonic Feel Free, which contains kratom and kava.
The details
The Feel Free tonic is a 2-ounce beverage that combines kratom and kava, ingredients often marketed for mood enhancement or relaxation. The lawsuit alleges that Botanic Tonics violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act by failing to disclose that these ingredients carry risks of dependence and withdrawal. The company reportedly utilized advertising strategies focused on colleges to reach younger consumers through gas stations and convenience stores.
Timeline
Between 2020 and 2023, there were 146 documented kratom deaths in Arizona.
Since 2020, millions of kratom shots have been sold in the state.
The Arizona Attorney General filed the consumer protection lawsuit on September 23, 2026.
Health Landscape
This lawsuit marks an aggressive use of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act to regulate the health marketing claims of kratom-based supplement manufacturers. It follows a growing pattern of state-level oversight aimed at addressing gaps in safety disclosures for herbal tonics sold as consumer products.
Consumers who have used kratom-containing products and have concerns about physical dependency should speak with their doctor. If you are experiencing symptoms such as withdrawal, discuss these issues with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your care.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder to carefully review the ingredients and potential side effects of any over-the-counter herbal supplements. If you are uncertain about the risks of specific products you are currently using, consult your physician for guidance.
What happens next
The Arizona Attorney General's office plans to host a future forum for consumers to share their personal experiences with kratom products.
Further reading
For more information on the health implications of various substances, visit the Substance Abuse section.
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