Missouri AG Settles with 7-OH Distributors, Effectively Banning Sales Statewide

Why it matters

Missouri's attorney general used civil litigation rather than legislation to halt 7-OH sales after state lawmakers failed to agree on a ban or regulatory framework. The strategy — settlements with financial penalties attached — may become a template other states follow.

The big picture

Missouri spent the spring of 2026 debating whether to ban or regulate 7-OH and kratom products, but the legislature adjourned without consensus. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway then moved through the courts, securing settlements with CBD American Shaman and Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC — the state's two largest 7-OH distributors — within weeks of each other. Together, the agreements effectively halt the companies' Missouri operations for these products, with a $5 million penalty clause for violations. The move predated and paralleled the DEA's July 1 announcement of intent to temporarily schedule 7-OH under Schedule I.

Key findings

• Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway secured separate settlements with CBD American Shaman and Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC in June 2026, halting all in-state 7-OH sales
• Both companies agreed to stop selling 7-OH and related alkaloids including mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and paynantheine in Missouri
• Relax Relief Rejuvenate faces a $5 million agreed penalty if it violates the settlement terms
• Distributors say they settled partly to avoid litigation costs and to prevent a court loss from setting precedent in other states where sales continue
• Missouri state health data cited in litigation showed kratom was involved in at least 197 state deaths, though no data isolates 7-OH specifically
• Expert witnesses submitted by distributors argued insufficient evidence exists to demonstrate 7-OH poses a public health risk — the judge noted competing affidavits

What they say

"This resolution is a win for Missouri families," AG Hanaway said. "7-OH is a dangerous opioid that is infecting our communities." Distributor owner Dustin Robinson countered: "If they win this case, then every other attorney general in the United States is going to jump on it. The government's not looking out for the best interest of the people. Otherwise, they'd regulate it."

Bottom line

Missouri shows how state AGs can sidestep stalled legislation — civil settlements with large penalty clauses stopped 7-OH sales faster than any bill.