California Sues Krave Kratom Maker for Defying State Embargo; Owner Admitted Continuing to Manufacture Products

Why it matters

California's lawsuit against Krave Kratom marks an escalating enforcement effort against kratom manufacturers who continue operating in defiance of state law, potentially setting precedents for how other states pursue manufacturers. The owner's alleged admission of continued manufacturing despite cease-and-desist orders raises the legal stakes significantly.

The big picture

California has banned kratom and 7-OH products statewide and has seized more than $5 million in products. Despite a 95% compliance rate announced by Governor Newsom in March 2026, some manufacturers have allegedly continued operations. Kratom was implicated in 242 deaths in California between 2020 and 2022. The lawsuit against Ashlynn Marketing Group — the company behind Krave Kratom, one of the country's most recognizable kratom brands — is among the most significant enforcement actions taken by any state.

Key findings

• CDPH embargoed Krave Kratom's Santee, CA facility in May 2025 after finding kratom powders, capsules, liquids, and chewable tablets being manufactured as food
• During October 2025 and April 2026 follow-up visits, investigators found embargoed products had been moved, tampered with, and repackaged
• Owner Wasem Saliman admitted on both occasions to continuing to manufacture the products despite state orders to stop
• Kratom was linked to 242 California deaths between 2020–2022, including 27 where it was the sole cause
• California has seized over $5 million in kratom and 7-OH products statewide; company also faces a separate class action lawsuit for misrepresenting kratom's addictive properties

What they say

"CDPH is pursuing legal action because Ashlynn's continued manufacture and sale of these products pose a clear and preventable public-health risk and violates state and federal law," said CDPH Director Dr. Erica Pan. "7-OH and kratom-derived products have been associated with addiction, serious health harms, overdose and death."

Bottom line

California's lawsuit against Krave Kratom's owner — who allegedly admitted to continuing manufacturing after multiple enforcement actions — marks the most aggressive legal move against a kratom manufacturer to date.