A wellness drink marketed as a healthy alternative is now at the center of a legal battle, with accusations that it might be as addictive as opioids, threatening consumer safety.
Story Snapshot
- Feel Free drink faces class-action lawsuit over alleged addiction risks.
- Primary ingredient kratom, similar to opioids, under scrutiny.
- Users report severe addiction symptoms, financial losses.
- Regulatory oversight questioned amid rising consumer complaints.
Feel Free’s Troubling Impact
The beverage “Feel Free,” initially celebrated as a healthy substitute for alcohol, is now embroiled in controversy. Marketed by Botanic Tonics as a wellness tonic, it contains kratom, a substance with opioid-like effects. Despite being legal in most states, kratom has raised concerns due to its potential for addiction. The drink’s popularity skyrocketed between 2021 and 2022, but by early 2023, users began reporting addiction-like symptoms and significant financial expenditures.
A class-action lawsuit filed in April 2023 alleges deceptive marketing practices by Botanic Tonics, claiming the drink leads to dependency and poses serious health risks. Despite the company’s denial of these accusations, regulatory bodies like the FDA and DEA have flagged kratom for its addictive properties, further intensifying the debate over consumer safety.
Regulatory and Legal Challenges
The lawsuit against Botanic Tonics highlights a broader issue within the loosely regulated wellness beverage market in the U.S. Although kratom is not classified as a controlled substance, its growing use as a remedy for pain and anxiety has attracted scrutiny. The DEA lists it as a “drug and chemical of concern,” while the FDA has consistently warned about its addiction risks. The ongoing legal proceedings and heightened media coverage have increased public awareness and regulatory pressure.
Both plaintiffs and defendants are preparing their legal arguments, with Botanic Tonics defending the safety of their product. Meanwhile, consumers continue to express concerns about the lack of transparency and potential health impacts of such wellness products, prompting calls for stricter regulations and oversight.
Implications for the Wellness Beverage Industry
The fallout from the Feel Free controversy could have significant implications for the wellness beverage industry. In the short term, increased consumer awareness about kratom’s risks may lead to product recalls or reformulation. Long-term effects could include regulatory changes that enforce stricter labeling and marketing standards, particularly for products containing psychoactive or addictive ingredients.
As the legal battle unfolds, consumers who have suffered from dependency and financial harm continue to seek compensation and regulatory action. The case may set new precedents for how herbal supplements are marketed and regulated, impacting both manufacturers and consumers.
