What is Botanic Tonics' Feel Free?
Feel Free is a plant-based tonic beverage sold in 2-ounce blue bottles by the company Botanic Tonics [1.2.3]. Marketed as a "wellness tonic" and an alternative to alcohol, it's designed to promote relaxation, focus, and enhanced mood [1.3.1, 1.8.6]. The drink has gained significant popularity and is widely available in convenience stores, smoke shops, and online [1.3.1]. However, its main active ingredients, kratom and kava, have also made it the subject of considerable controversy, regulatory scrutiny, and legal challenges [1.3.1, 1.7.1, 1.8.3].
Unpacking the Ingredients: How Much Kratom in Feel Free?
The central question for many users revolves around the product's primary active ingredient, kratom. According to the company's own supplement facts panel, a single 1-ounce serving of the Feel Free Classic tonic contains:
- Ground Kratom Leaf: The label specifies this ingredient contains 20 mg of mitragynine per serving [1.2.2]. Mitragynine is the primary psychoactive alkaloid in kratom [1.5.3].
- Kava Root Extract: The label also lists 260 mg of kavalactones, the active compounds in kava [1.2.2].
Initially, the company faced criticism and lawsuits for not clearly disclosing the contents and potential risks [1.8.1, 1.8.3]. A class-action lawsuit filed in 2023 alleged that the company failed to warn consumers about the addictive nature of kratom, which it marketed as a safe alcohol replacement [1.8.3, 1.8.6]. This lawsuit and subsequent public pressure led to greater transparency and changes to the product's labeling [1.4.1]. The entire 2-ounce bottle contains two servings, totaling 40 mg of mitragynine and 520 mg of kavalactones [1.2.2, 1.2.5].
The Pharmacology of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves have been used for centuries [1.5.1]. The leaves contain more than 40 alkaloids, but the primary ones are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG) [1.5.3].
- Mechanism of Action: These alkaloids are partial agonists at mu-opioid receptors, the same receptors activated by opioids like morphine [1.5.3]. This activity is responsible for kratom's pain-relieving and euphoric effects. However, they also interact with other receptor systems, including adrenergic, dopamine, and serotonin receptors, which contributes to its stimulant-like effects [1.5.5, 1.5.6].
- Dose-Dependent Effects: Kratom's effects are highly dose-dependent. At low doses, it typically produces stimulant effects, such as increased energy, alertness, and sociability [1.5.1, 1.5.4]. At higher doses, it produces more sedative and opioid-like effects, including pain relief and drowsiness [1.5.1, 1.5.3]. Toxicity is more likely when doses exceed 8 grams of kratom leaf [1.5.2].
The Pharmacology of Kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava is a shrub grown in the South Pacific islands, where it has a long history of use in social and ceremonial drinks [1.6.5]. Its active compounds are kavalactones.
- Mechanism of Action: Kavalactones are understood to enhance the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA by binding to GABA-A receptors [1.6.4]. This is a different mechanism than benzodiazepines but results in similar anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative effects [1.6.6]. It provides a sense of calm and muscle relaxation [1.6.5].
- Effects: Kava is primarily known for its calming properties and is often consumed to reduce stress and anxiety [1.2.3]. High doses can lead to sedation, muscle weakness, and impaired coordination [1.6.1, 1.6.5].
Kratom vs. Kava Comparison
While both are used for their mood-altering effects, they have distinct pharmacological profiles and risks.
| Feature | Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) | Kava (Piper methysticum) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Active Compounds | Mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine [1.5.3] | Kavalactones [1.6.4] |
| Mechanism of Action | Partial mu-opioid receptor agonist; also affects dopamine and serotonin systems [1.5.3] | Enhances GABA receptor activity [1.6.4, 1.6.6] |
| Primary Effects | Stimulant at low doses, sedative/opioid-like at high doses [1.5.1] | Anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative [1.2.3, 1.6.5] |
| Primary Risks | Addiction, dependence, withdrawal, liver toxicity, seizures [1.5.1, 1.7.1] | Liver toxicity (especially with non-water extracts or poor quality), kava dermopathy (scaly rash) [1.6.3, 1.6.4] |
| FDA Status | Not approved; FDA warns consumers not to use it [1.7.1] | Associated with liver injury warnings, though some water-based extracts are considered safer [1.6.4, 1.6.3] |
Regulatory Scrutiny and Safety Concerns
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has consistently warned consumers not to use kratom [1.7.1]. The agency states there is no evidence that kratom is safe and has not approved it for any medical use, concluding that it is not appropriate for use as a dietary supplement [1.5.3, 1.7.1]. The FDA has cited risks of addiction, liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder [1.7.1]. Furthermore, some kratom products have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals like lead and nickel or harmful bacteria like Salmonella [1.7.2, 1.7.3].
Botanic Tonics has faced significant legal trouble. In 2025, the company agreed to an $8.75 million class-action settlement over claims it failed to disclose the health risks and addictive nature of kratom in its Feel Free product [1.4.3, 1.8.2]. As part of the resolution, the company agreed to add a warning label to its products and advertisements stating that kratom can be habit-forming [1.8.6].
Conclusion
While the Feel Free label now discloses its ingredients, the combination of kratom and kava presents a complex pharmacological profile with significant risks. A single serving contains 20 mg of mitragynine and 260 mg of kavalactones, substances that act on the brain's opioid and GABA systems, respectively [1.2.2]. Given the FDA's persistent warnings against kratom, the potential for dependence, and the legal history of the product, consumers should exercise extreme caution [1.7.1, 1.8.3]. The marketing of Feel Free as a simple "wellness tonic" belies the potent, psychoactive nature of its ingredients and the serious health concerns highlighted by federal regulators and legal experts.
For more information on the FDA's position, you can visit their public health focus page on kratom. [https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom [1.7.1]]
