Arizona Attorney General Sued Botanic Tonics Over Fraud
Arizona officials filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against the makers of Feel Free, a drink containing kratom.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has initiated a consumer fraud lawsuit against Botanic Tonics. The company faces allegations that it misled customers regarding the addictive potential of its Feel Free beverage.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights growing concerns over the marketing of kratom-based products as wellness supplements. Plaintiffs contend that the drink delivers an opioid-like high, leading to severe health risks and dependency.
A study of overdose deaths in Florida found that kratom use is linked to a sixfold increase in the risk of fatal overdose. Approximately 80 percent of product users remain unaware of the specific kratom contents.
The players
Kris Mayes
Kris Mayes is the Attorney General of Arizona who is leading the state's consumer fraud litigation.
Botanic Tonics
Botanic Tonics is the manufacturer of the Feel Free wellness beverage currently under legal scrutiny.
Kevin Oliveira
Kevin Oliveira was an individual who died from toxic levels of mitragynine, prompting a wrongful death suit.
The details
Botanic Tonics aggressively marketed the product via wellness influencers and college athletic partnerships while positioning the drink at checkout counters. The company previously settled a class-action lawsuit, prompting the addition of labels identifying the product as habit-forming.
Timeline
Botanic Tonics began commercial sales of Feel Free in 2020.
Health Landscape
This litigation follows the class-action lawsuit regarding the addictive potential of Feel Free, which previously mandated updated product warnings. The case underscores an evolving regulatory effort to address the risks posed by unregulated herbal supplements that mimic opioid-like effects.
Consumers should be aware that Feel Free products contain kratom, which carries a risk of dependency and adverse health interactions. Those struggling with substance use or seeking treatment for withdrawal symptoms should consult with healthcare providers.
The takeaway
The legal action highlights the necessity for caution when consuming wellness products that are not regulated as traditional pharmaceuticals. Potential customers should research the ingredients in performance or energy drinks, particularly those marketed through social media influencers.
Further reading
For additional context on the regulation of herbal supplements, read the latest updates in Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Genetic Literacy Project.
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