American Kratom Association Slams Synthetic 7-OH Products as “Unlawful and Unsafe”

The American Kratom Association (AKA) has strongly criticized Shaman Botanicals and its founder, Stephen “Vince” Sanders, over claims surrounding 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). In a statement issued August 22, the nonprofit consumer advocacy group argued that 7-OH products were “unlawful from day one,” citing a lack of required safety data when they entered the market in 2023.

According to the AKA, manufacturers failed to meet federal obligations to prove safety before commercialization, making their attacks on the FDA and regulators “absurd.” The group stressed the distinction between kratom, which has centuries of safe use, and synthetic 7-OH, which it alleges was introduced recklessly.

The AKA vows to continue pushing back against 7-OH’s marketing, which it says undermines consumer trust and public health.

Read the full release at Reuters.