A so-called wellness drink is wreaking havoc, posing as a healthy alternative while fostering addiction like an opioid.
Story Snapshot
- Feel Free marketed as a non-addictive alcohol alternative, causing addictions.
- Class-action lawsuit accuses manufacturer Botanic Tonics of deceptive marketing.
- Federal grand jury investigates the product’s addictive potential.
- Regulatory scrutiny increases as consumer harm reports rise.
Rise of Feel Free and the Deceptive Marketing Strategy
Feel Free, introduced to the wellness market as a non-addictive alternative to alcohol, quickly gained popularity between 2021 and 2022. Marketed by Botanic Tonics, this beverage was advertised primarily as a kava-based drink. However, its hidden ingredient, kratom, known for opioid-like effects, has resulted in severe dependencies among users. Many consumers have spent large sums, with some reporting financial ruin due to their addiction.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
In early 2023, alarming reports of addiction and financial harm emerged. By April 2023, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Botanic Tonics, accusing them of false advertising and consumer harm. The packaging of Feel Free closely resembles that of kombucha, another popular wellness drink, but without transparency regarding its psychoactive risks. The scale of reported addiction is unusually high for a beverage in this segment, prompting legal and regulatory scrutiny.
Federal agencies, including the FDA and DEA, have raised concerns over kratom’s safety, categorizing it as a “drug and chemical of concern.” This has elevated the case to a federal grand jury investigation in August 2025, examining the company’s practices and potential violations.
Impact on Consumers and the Wellness Industry
The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the significant harm consumers have experienced, ranging from addiction to financial devastation. As the federal grand jury continues its investigation, regulatory scrutiny is intensifying. This situation poses long-term implications for the wellness industry, likely leading to stricter regulations and potential reforms.
For consumers seeking sobriety or wellness alternatives, the erosion of trust in such products is a growing concern. The case underscores the need for transparency and honesty in marketing, especially when health and safety are at stake.
