The American Kratom Association (AKA) is taking aim at Shaman Botanicals and founder Stephen “Vince” Sanders, accusing them of sidestepping federal law with their synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products. In a statement on August 22, the group argued that 7-OH was marketed illegally from its debut in 2023 because no safety data was ever provided to justify its use.
The AKA emphasized the difference between natural kratom, which has centuries of documented safe use, and 7-OH products synthesized with industrial chemicals. Critics within the association say blaming regulators for scheduling efforts ignores the real problem: manufacturers never proved the products were safe in the first place.
The organization says it will continue working to protect consumers and preserve trust in the natural kratom market.
Full details are available via Reuters.