An herbal supplement called kratom, sold for boosting energy and lifting mood, is coming under scrutiny by California health and liquor regulators.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is ordering kratom and related products off the shelves of the state’s liquor stores. It’s also commonly found in gas stations and smoke shops.
The ABC threatened to take criminal and administrative action against businesses selling the product, according to a press release Friday, even though kratom isn’t considered a controlled substance under federal law.
The ABC cited guidance from the California Department of Public Health, which warned licensed tobacco retailers on Jan. 9 that sale of kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, is unlawful because it “may cause harmful effects.”
Kratom comes from a tropical tree from the coffee family, according to Harvard Medical School. Its properties, the university said, range from “stimulant-like, energizing and uplifting, to opioid-like, causing drowsiness and euphoria.”
“We want to ensure our licensees are aware of existing laws and take steps to remove these dangerous products from store shelves,” Paul Tupy, ABC’s director, said in the press release.
The ABC said the federal Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act gives the state health department authority over adulterated or misbranded food, drugs, medical devices and cosmetics.
“Food and dietary supplements containing kratom and/or 7-OH are adulterated pursuant to federal and state law,” the ABC said.