LUBBOCK, Texas — The family of a Lubbock teen has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Lubbock, Texas smoke and vape shop Green Gorilla after his life was tragically cut short by the “herbal supplement” Kratom.
The family of 19-year-old Nathan Minns alleges that despite warnings from the FDA, Green Gorilla sold Kratom in an unmarked bag without any warnings or dosage restrictions to the unsuspecting teen.
In addition, the lawsuit says that businesses like Green Gorilla misrepresent the safety of Kratom by saying the dangerous product is a safe, natural remedy. The company makes no mention of the hazardous nature of Kratom nor that the FDA has urged sellers to destroy the drug.
“This drug has dangerous opioid-like tendencies, and it is sold in unlimited quantities. Unbelievably, it is completely unregulated.” the attorney representing the family, Brantley White, said. “People have no idea what they’re getting. It’s frequently sold without labeling or packaging, so no mention of strength, ingredients, contaminants, or even dosing measurements.”
Nathan Minns mother, Shanon, describes her son as having “an infectious smile and a belly laugh that would make anyone around him light up. He was a kind, respectful soul. He was silly and goofy and loved theater, computers, and cars. He was an empath and cared deeply for people. He spoke of his dreams of having an impactful career of helping others. He had so much more to do. If this can save just one other mother’s baby, then it will not have been in vain.”
Kratom is a plant-based powder, pill, or tea marketed as a miracle herb that will alleviate pain, anxiety, and even opioid addiction. In reality, it is dangerous, highly addictive, and often sold without labels or packaging that warn about its potentially deadly effects. Since 2018, the Food and Drug Administration has explicitly noted the dangers of Kratom.
Kratom has been widely noted and scrutinized by several government agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). In fact, in 2016, the DEA announced that it was temporarily reclassifying Kratom as a Schedule I drug. However, after substantial backlash, the DEA postponed reclassification. Further, in February 2018, the FDA noted the dangers of Kratom use, stating that the substance “isn’t just a plant, it is an opioid—affecting the body just like opioids.”
According to an article from Courthousenews, as of Sept. 21, 2022, the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System had tallied 423 Kratom-related deaths.
Despite these facts, corporations such as Green Gorilla contribute to a nearly billion-dollar global trade of this dangerous narcotic.
“There are mountains of research about the dangers of Kratom,” White said. “It is shocking that businesses freely manufacture and sell an addictive opioid-like substance without conscience and without restraint. Businesses who continue to manufacture and sell these products are putting their profits over the health and safety of our children and community. We want justice for Nathan and his family and to bring attention to the budding crisis we have on our hands.”
The Carlson Law Firm encourages families with questions about Kratom and its safety to visit the Mayo Clinic for additional information.
About The Carlson Law Firm
The Carlson Law Firm is a national law firm committed to providing exceptional legal services in the areas of personal injury, product liability, class actions, nursing home abuse, and consumer protection. The Carlson Law Firm has been successfully representing clients for over 45 years with 18 locations nationwide.
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Media Contact:
Kazia Conway
kconway@carlsonattorneys.com
Source: The Carlson Law Firm
