Joplin company targeted in statewide investigation into dangerous opioid-like products
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A Joplin vape business is among nine companies facing a new state investigation into potentially illegal drugs being marketed as supplements and wellness products.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Thursday that Vapor Maven MO LLC has received a civil investigative demand as part of an expanding crackdown on products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly called 7-OH.
The substance is derived from kratom and produces opioid-like effects. State officials warn that concentrated versions can be highly addictive and pose serious health risks.
Hanaway's office is investigating whether the companies manufactured, distributed or sold products containing controlled substances or violated Missouri consumer protection laws.
The investigation seeks records detailing product ingredients, manufacturing practices, safety testing, marketing claims and consumer complaints.
The attorney general says two other companies, KC Distro and Karmic Genesis, have been ordered to immediately stop selling 7-OH products.
Vapor Maven was not named in those cease-and-desist orders.
The investigation does not establish that Vapor Maven violated the law, and the announcement does not identify specific illegal products allegedly sold by the Joplin company.
Hanaway says some of the compounds have been classified as Schedule I controlled substances, while the state considers artificially concentrated 7-OH products illegal controlled-substance analogues.
The latest action brings the statewide total to 31 civil investigative demands.
