Federal action confirms the danger of lab-synthesized substances marketed to consumers under false pretenses; feel free CLASSIC contains no scheduled substances and is unaffected
BROKEN ARROW, OK, August 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Botanic Tonics today applauded the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) final temporary order (Docket No. DEA-1644) placing three synthetic opioid compounds: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (commonly known as MGPI), MGM-15, and MGM-16 into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act that takes effect August 26, 2026.These three substances do not occur naturally in the kratom plant. The DEA’s own findings describe them as products of laboratory synthesis, chemically modified from purified alkaloid isolates and manufactured to produce opioid effects far more potent than morphine. According to the agency, they have been sold often as flavored, brightly packaged tablets marketed with language like “botanical,” “clean,” and “precision-formulated,” despite carrying documented risks of overdose, dependence, and death.
In its official announcement accompanying the scheduling action, the U.S. Department of Justice stated in a press release:
“This action is directed at deliberately manufactured and concentrated opioid products, not traditional botanical kratom. The published scientific literature has not established MGPI as a naturally occurring kratom alkaloid.”
Botanic Tonics has spent years drawing a hard line between natural kratom leaf and the synthetic, concentrated compounds now under federal scrutiny. The company’s flagship product, feel free CLASSIC, is formulated from natural kratom leaf and noble kava root. It does not contain mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, or MGM-16, and the DEA’s federal action does not apply to traditional, natural kratom leaf formulations.
“Consumers deserve products that are exactly what they say they are,” said Botanic Tonics. “What the DEA acted on this week were lab-made opioids dressed up in kratom packaging to fool people looking for a natural alternative. That’s a different category of product entirely, and drawing that distinction clearly has been a priority for us long before this ruling. We built feel free CLASSIC on natural kratom leaf, and nothing in this order touches that.”
Botanic Tonics has consistently supported regulatory efforts that separate unregulated, synthetically manufactured opioid products from naturally derived botanical ingredients like kratom leaf, and the company views this week’s action as validation of that distinction. Botanic Tonics continues to work with regulators, researchers, and industry partners to advance responsible standards for how kratom-based products are formulated, labeled, and sold.
About Botanic Tonics
Botanic Tonics is the leader in botanical supplements. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the company's feel free® product line harnesses the wisdom of ancient botanical traditions to support energy, focus, and mood. Its flagship product, feel free CLASSIC®, combines noble kava root and natural kratom leaf, in a formulation that contains no synthetic ingredients, alcohol, or chemical extracts and is for responsible consumption, adults 21+. Its KavaMaté product delivers botanical pairings that provide sustained, grounded energy without the jitters associated with artificial energy drinks. With hundreds of millions of servings sold, feel free CLASSIC® is produced in accordance with strict manufacturing and quality standards, supported by independent batch testing and peer-reviewed research. Botanic Tonics’ products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility and undergo multiple tests for consistency and safety. Botanic Tonics continues to lead the energy and supplement category in education and transparency through extensive consumer education. Learn more at botanictonics.com.
Disclaimer
The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products referenced are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This announcement is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Warning & Caution
feel free CLASSIC contains natural kratom leaf. Read and follow all packaging instructions carefully. Consult a healthcare professional before introducing new botanical supplements to your routine. Not for consumption by or sale to persons under the age of 21. May interact with certain medications; consult a licensed, qualified healthcare professional before use. Do not consume with excessive alcohol. This product is not intended for those who are sensitive to the active ingredients or women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant. To learn more, visit the Consumer Education page.
Media Contact
media@botanictonics.com
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