Kratom, a supplement derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant native to Southeast Asia, has raised significant health concerns in the U.S. following the deaths of two men, Jordan McKibban and Johnny Loring. Marketed as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, and depression, kratom is sold in powders, gummies, and drinks at gas stations, convenience stores, and online retailers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that kratom is not approved as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive in the U.S., and has no recognized medical uses.

In April 2022, Jordan McKibban, 37, from Washington state, mixed kratom powder into his lemonade and later collapsed in his bathroom. His mother, Pam Mauldin, found him unresponsive and attempted CPR, but he could not be revived. An autopsy revealed mitragynine toxicity—a primary psychoactive compound in kratom—as the cause of death. Similarly, Johnny Loring, 27, from Ohio, died in spring 2024 during a family trip. A toxicology report identified mitragynine and gabapentin, a prescription painkiller, in his system.

Both men were regular users of kratom products sold over the counter, unaware of the risks posed by these unregulated supplements. Loring’s family said he used kratom marketed as "plant-based energy" for help with anxiety and sleep. McKibban used it for pain after years of addiction recovery, believing it was a “safe, natural” alternative.

Kratom acts as a stimulant at low doses and a sedative at higher doses, functioning through the same brain receptors as opioids. The FDA and medical experts report side effects ranging from agitation, nausea, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure, to severe outcomes like psychosis, liver damage, seizures, or unresponsiveness.

A 2025 USA TODAY report also linked kratom products to symptoms of addiction, withdrawal, and behavioral changes, such as irritability, compulsive use, and anxiety when access was limited.

Between 2011 and 2017, U.S. poison control centers received 1,807 kratom exposure calls, and the numbers have continued to rise, with reports of more than 300 calls in 2023 alone, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

A more potent and concerning compound, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), has gained attention due to its opioid-like effects that may exceed those of morphine.

On July 29, 2025, the FDA formally asked the U.S. Department of Justice to classify 7-OH as a Schedule I substance, citing its high abuse potential and no known medical use. The move follows growing concern over kratom-based products like Feel Free, marketed as energy-enhancing drinks but linked to addiction, liver injury, and severe withdrawal symptoms in some users.

Dr. Robert Levy, an addiction medicine specialist, emphasized that kratom’s natural origin does not make it harmless. “Kratom and its derivatives can mimic opioids, and in high doses or with chronic use, they can cause dependence and even fatal overdose.”

Feel Free, a popular drink that blends kratom and kava, is now the subject of multiple wrongful death and product liability lawsuits. Despite being sold as a “wellness” product, the beverage has drawn scrutiny for allegedly misleading labels and lack of health warnings.

Multiple wrongful death and product liability lawsuits have been filed against Botanic Tonics, the manufacturer of Feel Free, by families of individuals who allegedly died after consuming the drink. The plaintiffs—primarily parents of young adults—claim that the product was misleadingly marketed as a health and wellness beverage despite containing psychoactive substances like kratom and kava. According to the lawsuits, Feel Free's packaging failed to provide adequate dosage guidelines, lacked clear warnings about potential side effects and addiction risks, and included no age restrictions.

One suit specifically highlighted the drink’s easy availability to minors and individuals in recovery, raising concerns about the targeting of vulnerable populations.

The lead plaintiff is Romulo Torres, a longtime recovering alcoholic from California. He alleges that after purchasing Feel Free Wellness Tonic—marketed as a safe, sober alternative to alcohol—he developed a severe addiction, suffered withdrawal symptoms, and relapsed. Torres claims the product was deceptively advertised and lacked proper warnings about kratom’s risks

These legal actions underscore growing scrutiny over the unregulated sale and promotion of kratom-based products in the U.S.

As of 2025, kratom remains legal at the federal level, though several states—including Alabama, Indiana, and Wisconsin—have banned its sale or use. Other states are considering legislation amid mounting pressure from public health advocates and families affected by kratom-related deaths.

The FDA has issued multiple consumer advisories warning against kratom use and continues to advocate for stricter oversight. It has urged consumers to recognize that "natural does not mean safe."

According to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, “Kratom has clear effects on the brain’s opioid receptors and poses serious risks, particularly when mixed with other substances or consumed in high doses.”

(Rh/Eth/NS/MSM/SE)