Arizona Attorney General sues Botanic Tonics over kratom and kava disclosure

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a lawsuit against Botanic Tonics, LLC, alleging the company violated the state’s Consumer Fraud Act through the deceptive marketing of its product, ‘feel free’. The lawsuit, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, contends that the company failed to disclose that its energy drink shots contain kratom and kava.

According to the complaint, the product is marketed as a wellness tonic, energy drink, or alcohol alternative, while obscuring the presence of psychoactive substances that can cause addiction, dependence, and withdrawal. The Attorney General’s office noted that kratom can produce opioid-like effects, and the Arizona Department of Health Services has documented 146 kratom-related deaths in the state between 2020 and 2023.

The legal action seeks to prevent Botanic Tonics from engaging in misleading or unfair acts regarding ingredient disclosure in Arizona. Additionally, the state is seeking financial compensation for Arizona consumers who purchased the product and suffered side effects.