LOS ANGELES — A Santa Monica beverage company is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging the primary ingredient in its Feel Free kava drink is an addictive opioid-like substance known as kratom.
Botanic Tonics, the manufacturer of Feel Free Wellness Tonic, markets and sells its product in California as a "safe, sober and healthy alternative to alcohol," according to the lawsuit, which details the experiences of a recovering alcoholic who claims to have been deceived by the company's advertisements.
Botanic Tonics' attorney Brett Schuman told The Times that the suit lacks merit and that the company intends to vigorously defend the product in court.
