Gas Station Gulp: The Bizarre Beverage Creating Serious Addictions

In the quest for a healthier substitute to alcohol, many have found themselves entangled in a new form of dependency. Enter Feel Free, a strikingly blue tonic that’s become a sensation since its launch in 2021. Sold in gas stations and marketed as a natural energy booster, focus enhancer, and mood lifter, Feel Free has racked up millions in revenue. However, this seemingly benign elixir, produced by Botanic Tonics, has become the subject of a class action lawsuit, thanks to its controversial ingredient—kratom.

The narrative surrounding Feel Free has shifted dramatically. Initially hailed as a healthier alternative to alcohol, it captivated the market, selling countless bottles. However, the popularity has come at a significant cost. Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Kratom tropical tree, is known for its addictive qualities. Despite its spotty legality, kratom found its way into the formula of Feel Free, leading many unsuspecting consumers down a slippery slope of dependency. According to Punch, individuals like Chasin Roberts from Los Angeles have found themselves powerless against the tonic’s grip, spending whatever money they had to feed their growing habit. For some, the addiction became so severe that they resorted to rehab, facing painful withdrawals.

Botanic Tonics now finds itself in hot water, with plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit alleging that the company misled consumers through its advertising. The complaint states that Feel Free was presented as a safe, non-alcoholic alternative while allegedly hiding its high kratom concentration. This is not the first time kratom has been at the center of legal scrutiny; in 2023, a jury in Washington penalized another company for a customer’s death linked to a kratom elixir. These incidents underscore the precarious position of kratom in the marketplace and highlight the urgent need for clearer regulations and consumer awareness.

Despite the legal challenges, Botanic Tonics shows no signs of pulling Feel Free from the shelves. CEO Cameron Korehbandi maintains that the company was unaware of the potential for addiction. He acknowledges the troubling stories but insists that the tonic was never intended to be addictive. Whether this stance will hold up in court remains to be seen, but for now, Feel Free continues to be available to the public.

The saga of Feel Free serves as a cautionary tale about the quest for healthier alternatives to conventional vices. While the allure of a natural, non-alcoholic tonic is strong, it is essential for consumers to remain vigilant and informed about what they’re ingesting. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be interesting to see how Botanic Tonics and similar companies navigate the murky waters of kratom regulation, consumer safety, and corporate responsibility.