Class Action Lawsuit Claims 7tabz Kratom Is Highly Addictive and Dangerous

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A class action lawsuit alleges that 7tabz conceals the dangerous, addictive nature of its kratom products and misleadingly represents them as plant-derived supplements that are safe for consumption.

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The 45-page 7tabz class action lawsuit claims that the kratom manufacturer exploits consumers’ desire for “natural wellness, mental clarity, and safe relief” by falsely advertising that its kratom products are “benign” natural supplements and failing to disclose that kratom use can lead to addiction, withdrawal symptoms and potentially death.

The lawsuit explains that kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, produces psychoactive effects and, among other dietary supplements, is marketed to consumers looking for help with issues such as sleep, focus, energy and anxiety. However, kratom is an “unregulated, highly addictive” substance that can produce both stimulant and opioid effects depending on the dosage, the suit says.

The case states that the main components of kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH-mitragynine, or 7-OH), which can cause both short-term and long-term health effects. Mitragynine and 7-OH bind to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, which can detrimentally affect serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and kappa opioid receptors, the lawsuit states. Per the complaint, 7tabz products are advertised as containing 7-OH, the most potent form of kratom, which is approximately 13 times stronger than morphine.  

The filing says that kratom has a multitude of potential side effects; short-term effects may include sleep problems, nausea, hypertension and itching, while long-term effects include addiction, psychosis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, seizures and hypothyroidism, among others, the case relays.

Kratom has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in drug products or dietary supplements, and FDA guidelines specify that kratom is an unsafe food additive, the case notes. Moreover, the FDA considers products containing 7-OH to be “dangerous, illegal opioids” and has recommended that they be classified as a scheduled drug under the Controlled Substances Act, the suit relays.

According to the lawsuit, 7tabz markets and labels its kratom products with a “uniform and consistent” message that they are natural and safe, omitting any “adequate warning or clear indication” that kratom can be addictive and contribute to adverse health effects.

The products at issue in the 7tabz class action lawsuit include all sizes, flavors and varieties of 7tabz kratom products, including the following:

• 15 mg 7-OH Unflavored Tablets;
• 15 mg 7-OH Tropical Flavor Tablets;
• 15 mg 7-OH Cherry Flavor Tablets;
• 15 mg 7-OH Berry Flavor Tablets;
• 15 mg 7-OH Grape Flavor Tablets;
• 15 mg 7-OH Mint Flavor Tablets;
• 15 mg 7-OH Citrus Flavor Tablets;
• 15 mg 7-OH Blue Razz Flavor Tablets;
• 30 cv mg 7-OH Unflavored Tablets;
• 30 mg 7-OH Berry Tablets;
• 30 mg 7-OH Tangerine Tablets;
• 30 mg 7-OH Watermelon Tablets;
• 65 mg 7-OH Unflavored Tablets;
• 65 mg 7-OH Berry Tablets;
• 65 mg 7-OH Blue Razz Tablets;
• 20 mg 7-OH + Pseudo Unflavored Tablets;
• 20 mg 7-OH + Pseudo Berry Tablets; and
• 20 mg 7-OH + Pseudo Mint Tablets

The case states that the plaintiffs purchased 7tabz kratom products expecting that they would provide benefits, including energy, focus and relaxation, only realizing the danger when they started to experience withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing use. The plaintiffs reportedly experienced a variety of unpleasant physical symptoms, including severe headaches, fatigue, sweating, physical agitation, back spasms, kidney issues, anxiety, insomnia, full body aches, cravings, restlessness and chills.

The filing argues that 7tabz did not warn consumers of the “unreasonable health hazards” of kratom because consumers are willing to pay a premium price. The case alleges that 7tabz was content “withholding their knowledge and information” about the risks of kratom because disclosing them would deter consumers and ultimately reduce profits.

“As a result, consumers are deceived into purchasing the Products to the detriment of their health,” the lawsuit charges.

The 7tabz class action lawsuit seeks to cover all individuals in the United States who purchased 7tabz kratom products for personal use and not for resale since January 23, 2022.

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