Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is demanding some businesses stop selling certain products that are marketed as “pain relief,” but are actually Schedule I controlled substances under Alabama law.
The Office of the Attorney General has issued a cease-and-desist order directed at businesses currently possessing or selling products containing mitragynine and/or hydroxymitragynine (commonly known as Kratom) which are Schedule I controlled substances under Alabama law. The action followed independent laboratory testing that confirmed the presence of these illegal substances in products currently on store shelves across the state.
“Alabama will not be a marketplace for dangerous, illegal substances regardless of what they are called or how they are packaged,” Marshall said. “These products prey on unsuspecting consumers, including children, who have no way of knowing what they are purchasing.”
Products including. “Boujee Bliss,” “Better Weather,” and “Happy Hour” were tested by an internationally accredited laboratory and confirmed to contain Kratom with no notice given to the consumer. These products, along with any similar items containing mitragynine or hydroxymitragynine, are illegal to possess, sell, or offer for sale in Alabama.
“We are putting every retailer on notice that they need to remove these products immediately,” Marshall added. “Those who choose to ignore this order will face the full force of the law, including seizure of assets and felony prosecution.”
Businesses that continue to sell or possess these products face serious legal consequences, including seizure and forfeiture of contraband, property, proceeds, and assets. They could also face felony prosecution under applicable Alabama law; and civil liability for violations of the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The letter warns consumers that product labels for these items may not fully disclose all ingredients, meaning purchasers may unknowingly possess a controlled substance and are at risk of experiencing adverse health events upon ingestion. The public is urged to exercise caution and avoid purchasing any product suspected of containing kratom-derived compounds.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
