Attorney General Steve Marshall announced on Mar. 25 that the Alabama Attorney General’s Office has issued a cease-and-desist order targeting businesses in possession of or selling products containing mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine, substances commonly known as kratom, which are classified as Schedule I controlled substances under Alabama law.
The order comes after independent laboratory tests confirmed that several products marketed for pain relief and relaxation—including “Boujee Bliss,” “Better Weather,” and “Happy Hour”—contained kratom without disclosing it to consumers. This action aims to protect consumers, including children, from unknowingly purchasing dangerous and illegal substances labeled as “natural” or “holistic.”
“Alabama will not be a marketplace for dangerous, illegal substances regardless of what they are called or how they are packaged,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall. “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.”
Businesses continuing to sell or possess these items risk legal consequences such as seizure and forfeiture of contraband under Ala. Code § 20-2-93 (1975), felony prosecution under state law, and civil liability for violating the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The public is warned that product labels may not fully list all ingredients; therefore, buyers could unknowingly obtain a controlled substance with potential health risks.
The Attorney General’s Office is working with local district attorneys and law enforcement agencies across Alabama to enforce this order by identifying and removing such products from stores statewide. The office encourages any business with compliance questions to contact them directly at CeaseAndDesist@AlabamaAG.gov.
The Alabama Attorney General’s office serves as the state’s chief law enforcement agency by prosecuting crimes and supporting victims according to its official website. It also works toward enhancing safety through initiatives focused on reducing violent crime according to its official website, maintains jurisdiction throughout all counties in Alabama according to its official website, has received recognition such as the 2020 Hometown Hero honor from the Alabama League of Municipalities according to its official website, influenced policy through high-profile legal defenses like upholding convictions under the Brody Act before the state Supreme Court according to its official website, and is led by Steve Marshall who became attorney general in February 2017 according to its official website.