A lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania Federal Court on March 14 alleges that CBD Kratom sold an addictive substance disguised as an energy-boosting pre-workout drink, resulting in severe dependency for a New Jersey man. Evan Eichhorn, a 34-year-old building engineer from Haddon Heights, claims he spent over $60,000 on the product within two years and ultimately required rehabilitation treatment.
Eichhorn’s addiction began in 2024 while working in Philadelphia, when he became intrigued by a promotional sign for the beverage, which contained a hybrid drug designed to mimic opioid effects. His consumption escalated to 16 cans per day, purchased from various CBD Kratom stores in Philadelphia and ordered online. The lawsuit highlights the lack of proper warnings about 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a key kratom component known to cause a “high.” In March 2025, Eichhorn received Suboxone treatment in rehab to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Regulatory Gaps and Public Health Concerns
The case raises significant concerns about the marketing and regulation of kratom products, a substance derived from a Southeast Asian tree. While some users report pain relief and mood elevation, kratom’s potential for addiction is well-documented. The lack of standardized labeling and consistent warnings on kratom products leaves consumers vulnerable to unknowingly developing dependencies. The lawsuit alleges the company failed to disclose the addictive potential despite easy distribution through retail stores and online sales. The case mirrors broader discussions concerning the safety of supplements and alternative medicines with psychoactive properties and the responsibility of retailers to protect consumer health.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://us.headtopics.com/news/lawsuit-alleges-kratom-drink-addiction-unsafe-marketing-by-81844977