Last week, David Bregger, an advocate for kratom regulation, successfully led a peaceful protest outside American Shaman, a company based in Kansas City that manufactures and sells potentially dangerous synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) products mislabeled as kratom. The protest aimed to inform Missouri residents of the risks associated with these untested products, reiterate that these products are not kratom, and urge the Missouri Attorney General, Andrew Bailey, to investigate producers of synthetic products masquerading as kratom. Bregger also advocates for introducing much-needed regulation to the kratom industry.
Bregger, who tragically lost his eldest son, Dan, in 2021 due to the combined toxic effects of concentrated kratom and diphenhydramine, is dedicated to preventing similar tragedies. Through his activism, Bregger is fighting for consumer safety by calling for the regulation of kratom products, and a ban on those that are synthetic or manipulated with opioid-like compounds such as 7OH. More information is available at: https://www.7ohisnotkratom.com.
The protest took place on September 24 and 25, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., outside American Shaman’s headquarters at 2405 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO. During the event, Bregger delivered emotional remarks detailing his personal loss and emphasized the need for Missouri to protect consumers from synthetically derived 7OH products which should NOT be considered natural kratom products.
"I’ve experienced devastating loss due to mislabeled products that did not warn my son about dosages, ingredients, or effects," said Bregger. "It is my hope that authorities will take action against the bad actors in the kratom industry who are continually seeking to make stronger and stronger products even though they are illegal in many states."
Bregger's protest drew attention to American Shaman's production of 7OH isolates, a substance Bregger, and other advocates claim is not natural kratom and poses significant risks to consumers.
Protesters, including those personally affected by unregulated kratom products, held signs with messages like "Make Kratom Safe: Regulate Kratom Now! No 7OH!" and "Attorney General Bailey: Stop 7OH Isolates – Protect Consumers!" See accompanying photo of Bregger holding a portrait in memory of his son and advocating for action.
Call to Action
Missouri residents are urged to contact Attorney General Andrew Bailey to investigate companies producing synthetic mislabeled kratom products and to push for consumer protections. Kratom consumers in Missouri are encouraged to contact their local representatives and advocate for the kratom regulations to ensure that all kratom products sold in the state are safe, regulated, and accurately labeled.
Missouri residents are urged to contact Attorney General Andrew Bailey to investigate companies producing synthetic mislabeled kratom products and to push for consumer protections. Kratom consumers in Missouri are encouraged to contact their local representatives and advocate for the kratom regulations to ensure that all kratom products sold in the state are safe, regulated, and accurately labeled.
Bregger is demanding state-wide kratom regulation that truly protects consumers. This legislation would enforce labeling requirements, prohibit synthetic and manipulated kratom products like 7OH, and restrict sales to minors. Importantly, regulations that are put in place should be actively enforced and those in violation should be stopped from selling these products.
"We’re not here to ban kratom, we’re here to protect consumers from synthetic, dangerous products disguised as kratom and to ensure that real kratom products are manufactured and sold responsibly," said Bregger. "American Shaman and other producers are putting consumers at risk by selling untested substances like 7OH, which has opioid-like effects and could lead to deadly consequences."
About 7OH Is Not Kratom
7OH Is Not Kratom is an organization advocating for consumer safety by calling for the regulation of kratom and the investigation of dangerous synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) products. The organization was founded by David Bregger, who tragically lost his eldest son in 2021 due to mislabeled synthetic kratom and is dedicated to preventing similar tragedies. For more information, visit https://www.7ohisnotkratom.com.
About 7OH Is Not Kratom
7OH Is Not Kratom is an organization advocating for consumer safety by calling for the regulation of kratom and the investigation of dangerous synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) products. The organization was founded by David Bregger, who tragically lost his eldest son in 2021 due to mislabeled synthetic kratom and is dedicated to preventing similar tragedies. For more information, visit https://www.7ohisnotkratom.com.
