Missouri Sues Kratom Company Over 'Deadly' Synthetic Opioid

Attorney General claims 7-hydroxymitragynine is a dangerous substance being sold as a 'safe, natural product'

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:08pm

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The Missouri Attorney General's office has filed a lawsuit against a Kansas City-based kratom company, American Shaman, alleging it is manufacturing and distributing a 'deadly' synthetic opioid called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The lawsuit claims 7-OH is being sold to unsuspecting consumers as a safe, natural product, when in fact it has dangerous respiratory and cardiovascular effects that are three times greater than morphine.

Why it matters

The lack of regulation around kratom products has allowed these potentially dangerous substances to flood the market, with the packaging often made appealing to children. Health officials say the chemical composition often differs from what's listed on the label, putting consumers at risk. The lawsuit aims to shut down American Shaman facilities and stop the distribution of 7-OH, which has been linked to a spike in overdoses and deaths in Missouri.

The details

The lawsuit follows a months-long investigation into American Shaman's manufacturing and distribution of 7-OH. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway claims the company has been giving away free samples of the intoxicating substance to grow a following, despite the FDA finding its effects on the respiratory and coronary systems are three times greater than morphine. Missouri Poison Center Director Julie Weber says cases managed by the center jumped from 24 in 2024 to more than 75 in 2025, with the packaging often mimicking store-bought candies and drinks.

  • In 2025, Missouri saw a spike in 7-OH-related cases, prompting increased attention and investigation.
  • Last year, the medical examiner in St. Charles County reported nine kratom-related deaths.

The players

Catherine Hanaway

The Attorney General of Missouri who announced the lawsuit against American Shaman.

American Shaman

A Kansas City-based kratom company that is being sued by the Missouri Attorney General for manufacturing and distributing the synthetic opioid 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

Julie Weber

The Director of the Missouri Poison Center, who reported a spike in 7-OH-related cases managed by the center.

Chris DiGiuseppi

The Police Chief of Lake Saint Louis, who stated that 7-OH is a 'lethal substance' that can be sold anywhere to anyone, including children.

Justin Bumbalo

The Executive Director and Pastor of Life Changers, an addiction recovery program, who says 7-OH is particularly dangerous for people trying to get sober.

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What they’re saying

“7-OH put simply is a synthetic opioid that is being distributed over the counter in Missouri. We believe it is deadly. The FDA found the drug's suppressive effects on respiratory and coronary systems are three times greater than morphine.”

— Catherine Hanaway, Attorney General of Missouri

“The 2025 spike is what really brought attention. She reported cases managed by the center jumped from 24 in 2024 to more than 75 in 2025.”

— Julie Weber, Director of the Missouri Poison Center

“We don't need another lethal substance on the streets. This is a substance that can be sold anywhere, to anyone, in our gas stations and convenience stores, to adults or children.”

— Chris DiGiuseppi, Police Chief of Lake Saint Louis

“Instead of a graduation date, he met his death date that day. The very thing that he was trying to get away from is the very thing that tried to kill him by doing the 7-OH synthetic opioids.”

— Justin Bumbalo, Executive Director and Pastor of Life Changers

What’s next

Hanaway wants a judge to label American Shaman facilities as 'drug den' public nuisances to shut them down, and is also calling on lawmakers in Jefferson City to take action and ban 7-OH.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers of unregulated and potentially deadly synthetic opioids being marketed as 'safe, natural' products, putting consumers at risk and exacerbating the ongoing opioid crisis. It underscores the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect public health and safety.