Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has issued a statewide cease-and-desist order targeting businesses selling or possessing products containing kratom-derived substances, warning that unsuspecting consumers may be purchasing dangerous and illegal items marketed as “natural” and “holistic.”

The order follows independent laboratory testing that confirmed the presence of mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine — compounds commonly known as kratom — in products currently available on store shelves across Alabama, a news release said. Under state law, both substances are classified as Schedule I controlled substances, making it illegal to possess, sell or offer them for sale.

Among the products identified were "Boujee Bliss," "Better Weather" and "Happy Hour," which are marketed for pain relief and relaxation. Testing conducted by an internationally accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of kratom in those products, with no notice given to consumers.

Under Ala. Code § 20-2-23 (1975), any product containing mitragynine or hydroxymitragynine is illegal in Alabama regardless of labeling or marketing claims.

"Alabama will not be a marketplace for dangerous, illegal substances regardless of what they are called or how they are packaged," Marshall said in the release. “These products prey on unsuspecting consumers, including children, who have no way of knowing what they are purchasing. We are putting every retailer on notice that they need to remove these products immediately. Those who choose to ignore this order will face the full force of the law, including seizure of assets and felony prosecution."

The Attorney General’s Office warned that businesses continuing to sell or possess such products face significant penalties. Those include seizure and forfeiture of contraband, property, proceeds and assets under Ala. Code § 20-2-93 (1975), felony prosecution and potential civil liability under the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Ala. Code § 8-19-1 (1975).

Officials also cautioned that product labels may not fully disclose ingredients, increasing the risk that consumers could unknowingly purchase or possess a controlled substance. The office said ingestion of such products may also lead to adverse health effects.

Consumers are urged to avoid purchasing any items suspected of containing kratom-derived compounds.

The Attorney General’s Office is coordinating with district attorneys and law enforcement agencies statewide to identify and remove the products from circulation. Businesses seeking guidance on compliance can contact the office at CeaseAndDesist@AlabamaAG.gov.

The full letter is available at www.alabamaag.gov.