Missouri AG Sues American Shaman Over Kratom Products

Global Kratom Coalition applauds lawsuit targeting alleged synthetic opioid sales.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Missouri Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against American Shaman, a Kansas City-based retailer, for allegedly selling kratom products that contain synthetic opioids. The Global Kratom Coalition, an international advocacy group, has commended the AG's actions, stating that American Shaman's products pose a serious public health risk.

Why it matters

Kratom is a plant-based substance that some use as an alternative to opioids, but its legality and safety remain controversial. This lawsuit highlights concerns that certain kratom products may be spiked with dangerous synthetic opioids, fueling the ongoing opioid crisis.

The details

The Missouri Attorney General's office alleges that American Shaman has been selling kratom products that are secretly laced with synthetic opioids, making them potentially deadly. The lawsuit seeks to shut down American Shaman's operations in the state and impose financial penalties.

  • The lawsuit was filed on March 28, 2026.

The players

Missouri Attorney General

The chief legal officer of the state of Missouri, responsible for enforcing state laws and protecting public interests.

American Shaman

A Kansas City-based retailer that sells kratom and other herbal products, accused of selling adulterated kratom containing synthetic opioids.

Global Kratom Coalition

An international advocacy group that promotes the responsible use of kratom and opposes the sale of adulterated or unsafe kratom products.

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What they’re saying

“We commend the Missouri Attorney General for taking action to protect public health and safety by targeting American Shaman's alleged sale of dangerous, synthetic opioid-laced kratom products.”

— Darshan Kulkarni, Spokesperson, Global Kratom Coalition

What’s next

The Missouri Attorney General's office will continue its investigation and legal proceedings against American Shaman. The Global Kratom Coalition has pledged to support the state's efforts to hold the company accountable.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating the kratom industry and the need for greater oversight to ensure consumer safety, as some bad actors may be exploiting the legal ambiguity around kratom to sell potentially dangerous products.