An Oklahoma-based kratom manufacturer is suing Utah over a new law that sharply restricts how the herbal compound can be sold in the state. Botanic Tonics LLC, maker of the “feel free” kratom and kava tonic, claims Senate Bill 45 will force its products off shelves in more than 300 Utah retail locations when it takes effect May 6, leading to projected losses exceeding 10 million dollars.
The federal lawsuit, filed with the Kratom Coalition Inc., targets Utah Attorney General Derek Brown and other state officials, arguing the restrictions are unconstitutional and contradict clinical data suggesting the products do not pose an unreasonable health risk. SB45 will permit only pure leaf kratom sales in smoke shops and similar stores and gives manufacturers one year to end production of other kratom products in Utah.
