Missouri Attorney General Forces Largest Kratom Distributor to Halt All Sales Statewide

Why it matters

Missouri's attorney general reached a landmark settlement forcing American Shaman — the largest kratom distributor in the state — to immediately suspend all kratom and 7-OH sales in Missouri, including online. The deal resolves litigation and imposes a $5 million penalty trigger if violated.

The big picture

American Shaman (Shaman Botanicals, LLC) faced a Missouri AG investigation launched in November 2025 after kratom-related deaths in the state and a sharp spike in poison control reports. Despite receiving FDA warnings and having products seized by the DOJ, the company allegedly continued selling. The case reflects a broader enforcement push: Missouri's AG had previously asked a Jackson County judge to stop all 7-OH sales linking the product to nearly 200 deaths. CDC data shows a 1,200% increase in annual kratom hospitalizations from 2015 to 2025.

Key findings

• American Shaman, Missouri's largest kratom distributor, agreed to immediately suspend all in-state kratom and 7-OH sales
• The company must also cease Missouri-targeted advertising, including billboards, within 30 days
• A $5 million penalty is triggered if American Shaman violates the settlement terms
• Missouri documented kratom-related deaths and a spike in poison control calls in 2025
• CDC data showed a 1,200% increase in annual kratom hospitalizations from 2015 to 2025

What they say

"Kratom alkaloids, especially 7-OH, are dangerous opioids that carry serious health risks. We stepped in to shut down deceptive tactics that put public health in danger. This resolution protects consumers by taking these products off Missouri shelves." — Attorney General Catherine Hanaway

Bottom line

Missouri's attorney general forced the state's largest kratom distributor to halt all sales and advertising through a $5 million-penalty settlement — the most aggressive state enforcement action yet against a kratom retailer.