Missouri AG Secures Settlement Halting 7-OH Kratom Sales, Citing 1,200% Rise in Hospitalizations

Why it matters

Missouri's settlements with two 7-OH distributors — Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC and American Shaman — illustrate how state attorneys general are filling a federal enforcement gap through civil litigation, even as the DEA moves toward scheduling action.

The big picture

Missouri lawmakers debated a statewide 7-OH ban in spring 2026 but did not pass legislation. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway moved instead through civil enforcement, reaching settlements with two companies that together formed a manufacturer-distributor chain for 7-OH products in the state. The settlements came just days before the DEA filed its intent to temporarily schedule 7-OH at the federal level.

Key findings

• Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC agreed to immediately suspend all Missouri sales of 7-OH, dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15), mitragynine, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, and paynantheine
• The agreement includes a potential $5 million penalty if the company fails to immediately remedy any breach
• CDC data cited by the AG office showed annual kratom hospitalizations increased 1,200% from 2015 to 2025
• Missouri coroners listed kratom as a cause of death at least 161 times from 2019 to June 2025
• Neither settlement includes an admission of liability; no court found defendants liable

What they say

"This resolution is a win for Missouri families. 7-OH is a dangerous opioid that is infecting our communities," said Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway. "These are addictive, unregulated, chemically synthesized compounds with unknown outputs. My office will continue to hold accountable bad actors who sell harmful drugs in Missouri."

Bottom line

Missouri's attorney general used civil enforcement — not legislation — to halt 7-OH sales by two companies, securing a $5 million breach penalty clause and reporting a 1,200% increase in kratom hospitalizations over the past decade.