A South Jersey man has filed a proposed class action lawsuit against CBD Kratom, accusing the store chain of inadequately warning consumers about the dangers of its kratom-infused beverages. Evan Eichhorn alleges he became addicted to the drinks after trying a tea-flavored seltzer marketed to boost mood, focus, and energy.

From Initial Euphoria to Daily Dependence

According to the lawsuit, Eichhorn experienced a sense of euphoria shortly after consuming his first 16-ounce can. Within a month, his consumption escalated to six to eight cans per day. “It just gradually got out of control where I needed it to function, to go to work, to wake up, to do anything,” Eichhorn, a construction engineer, stated. “That’s all I was drinking.”

Financial and Physical Toll

Eichhorn estimates he spent approximately $60,000 on kratom drinks over the course of a year. He successfully completed rehab using medications typically used to treat opioid addiction and is now seeking legal recourse. The lawsuit, filed last month in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, alleges “dangerous and misleading marketing and labeling” of the kratom beverages.

Proposed Class Action Details

The proposed class-action lawsuit aims to represent all Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents who purchased a beverage at a Philadelphia CBD Kratom store within the past two years. The attorney representing CBD Kratom has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Kratom: An Unregulated Substance

Kratom is currently sold over the counter and often promoted as a herbal supplement for increasing focus, boosting energy, and relieving pain. However, the lawsuit points out that these unregulated products – available as powders, pills, and seltzers – can be highly addictive and significantly more potent than the plant from which they are derived. Kratom interacts with the same brain receptors as opioids like heroin and fentanyl.

Withdrawal Symptoms and the Cycle of Addiction

While initial use may induce euphoria, the lawsuit states that kratom use often leads to painful withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, agitation, and sleeplessness. Eichhorn found himself consuming kratom not for the initial high, but to alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal.

Allegations of Misleading Marketing

The lawsuit claims CBD Kratom’s advertising downplays the risk of addiction, comparing kratom to substances like sugar or caffeine. Furthermore, the label on the chain’s Korthals’ Collection brand allegedly does not explicitly warn consumers that the beverage is “addictive, dangerous, and unhealthy.”

Seeking Adequate Warnings and Public Education

“The label should adequately inform the consumer,” said Aarthi Manohar, an attorney with Kohn Swift & Graf representing Eichhorn. Eichhorn hopes the lawsuit will lead to more prominent warnings on kratom products and increased public awareness regarding kratom addiction. “There is not a lot of support out there. Everyone knows what’s heroin and fentanyl,” he said. “You see someone drinking kratom, nobody is going to say, ‘Don’t do that.’”