Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating claims that kratom product sold as “natural” or “wellness” supplements are being deceptively marketed without warnings about their addictive, opioid-like properties—a practice that may violate state and federal consumer protection laws.
The Deceptive Marketing of Kratom
A class action lawsuit, Hackett v. Bumble Bee Botanicals, Linda Kline, and Andrew Graham, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that Bumble Bee Botanicals and its owners misled consumers by marketing kratom powders, capsules, and extracts without disclosing the true pharmacological risks.
Kratom’s active ingredients—mitragynine and especially 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)—are chemically similar to opioids and act on the same brain receptors as morphine and heroin. In fact, studies show that 7-OH can be up to ten times more potent than morphine in activating opioid receptors. Despite this, Bumble Bee Botanicals allegedly failed to include any warnings about addiction, dependence, or withdrawal in its product packaging or wellness-centered marketing materials.
Consumer Harm and Opioid-Like Withdrawal
According to the complaint, consumers became addicted after using Bumble Bee Botanicals’ kratom products regularly, experiencing opioid-like withdrawal symptoms such as:
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Irritability and agitation
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Depression and anxiety
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Nausea and muscle pain
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Insomnia and cravings
Some users also reported serious financial and emotional distress while trying to stop use, describing their experiences on public forums and in personal accounts included in the lawsuit.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
The suit claims Bumble Bee Botanicals:
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Knowingly omitted material facts about kratom’s risks;
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Exploited public misconceptions, using “natural” and “herbal” branding to obscure kratom’s opioid-like effects;
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Violated California’s Unfair Competition Law (UCL), False Advertising Law (FAL), and Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA);
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Breached warranties and committed fraud by omission.
The case seeks damages, restitution, injunctive relief, and required addiction warnings on kratom products.
Are You a Kratom Consumer?
You may be part of the class if:
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You purchased kratom products (powders, capsules, or extracts) from Bumble Bee Botanicals;
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The product lacked any warning about addiction or withdrawal risks;
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You believed the product was safe, natural, or non-addictive;
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You would have paid less or not purchased at all had you known the truth;
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You experienced signs of dependency, withdrawal, or harm after regular use.
Think You May Be Affected?
We are gathering information from consumers who purchased kratom products from Bumble Bee Botanicals or similar companies and were not warned of the risks.
If this applies to you, we want to hear your story. Please complete the questionnaire below and, if you have further questions, email us at [email protected] or call us directly at (202) 470-3520.