Missouri Judge Rejects AG Hanaway's Emergency Bid to Halt 7-OH Kratom Sales by American Shaman

Why it matters

The ruling shows that courts require a high evidentiary bar before issuing emergency injunctions on kratom products—meaning 7-OH sales continue while the broader lawsuit proceeds. This could influence similar enforcement actions in other states.

The big picture

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sued Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman in March 2026, arguing its 7-OH products are illegal opioids linked to at least 197 state deaths. The AG requested a temporary restraining order (TRO) to immediately halt sales, but a Jackson County judge said competing expert testimony meant he could not yet rule on the merits. The case continues as courts across the country wrestle with whether concentrated 7-OH products are illegal under existing opioid laws.

Key findings

• Jackson County Circuit Judge Charles McKenzie denied the TRO on May 8, 2026, citing "competing affidavits" from experts on both sides.
• The state submitted evidence including an undercover narcotics officer's claim that 7-OH is being used to cut fentanyl, and state health data linking 7-OH to 197 Missouri deaths.
• American Shaman countered with five toxicology experts who argued there is insufficient evidence of a public health risk from 7-OH and kratom.
• The judge denied the TRO "without prejudice" and called for a future hearing with more testimonial evidence.
• The AG filed a second similar lawsuit on May 7 against Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC over comparable 7-OH products.

What they say

"The court cannot find, based on the oral argument of the parties, the respective competing affidavits presented and the pleadings, whether the plaintiff is likely to succeed on the merits at this juncture," wrote Judge McKenzie.

Bottom line

**A Missouri judge denied the emergency sales ban on American Shaman's 7-OH kratom products, saying the state needs more evidence—but the full case continues and a hearing on broader injunctive relief is forthcoming.**