Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued Botanic Tonics in what her office called a first-in-the-nation consumer protection lawsuit, alleging its marketing of 2-ounce kratom shots violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act.
The state alleges the company marketed the shots as energy products while downplaying their kratom content and the potential for addiction and withdrawal, according to a Sept. 23 news release from Ms. Mayes’ office.
The complaint, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, alleges the company minimized health risks associated with Feel Free, a product containing kratom and kava. The Arizona Department of Health Services identified 146 documented kratom deaths in Arizona between 2020 and 2023 alone.
The state also alleges Botanic Tonics targeted younger consumers through its advertising. The company has sold millions of kratom shots in Arizona since 2020.
Becker’s has reached out to Botanic Tonics for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.
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