Missouri AG Asks Jackson County Judge to Halt All 7-OH Sales by American Shaman, Citing 197 State Deaths

Why it matters

Missouri is using consumer protection law to stop 7-OH sales in court after its legislature failed to pass a ban, marking a significant escalation in the fight over synthetic kratom. The outcome could set a precedent for how other states bypass legislative gridlock to restrict the substance.

The big picture

Missouri is one of several states where 7-OH remains legal statewide despite broad legislative efforts to restrict it. The state's attorney general filed a lawsuit against American Shaman — which the company's founder acknowledges makes roughly half of all 7-OH products sold nationally — while lawmakers stalled on passing a formal ban. The state is now invoking the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act to seek emergency judicial relief.

Key findings

• Missouri Solicitor General argued in court that synthetic 7-OH was involved in at least 197 Missouri deaths
• State argued the rate of 7-OH use in the U.S. equals oxycodone and fentanyl combined
• American Shaman founder Vince Sanders acknowledged the company has not conducted human clinical trials, saying "the human trials have been people choosing to use it"
• Solicitor General told the judge proposed statewide bans "realistically" will not pass this legislative session
• Judge McKenzie stated he expected to issue a ruling on the temporary restraining order by end of the week

What they say

"The court should weigh lives more than dollars." — Missouri Solicitor General Louis Capozzi in open court

Bottom line

Missouri turned to the judiciary to stop 7-OH sales after legislative bans stalled, with the state linking the synthetic kratom derivative to nearly 200 deaths and requesting an emergency court order against the nation's largest 7-OH manufacturer.