A chilling gas station encounter has reignited alarm about a small blue bottle marketed as an alcohol alternative. When TikTok user Misha (@yourbestiemisha) refused a teenager’s request to buy “Feel Free” at a convenience store, the adolescent lunged for his wallet—a desperate act allegedly driven by dependence on the controversial beverage. This viral moment (18M+ views) spotlights growing concerns about the Feel Free drink containing kratom and kava, substances linked to addiction and withdrawal symptoms despite easy availability.
What Is the Feel Free Drink?
Botanic Tonics’ Feel Free Classic Tonic blends kava root—traditionally used for relaxation but potentially liver-damaging—and kratom, a plant with opioid-like effects. Though kratom is banned in six U.S. states, it remains legal elsewhere. The product initially had no age restrictions but now requires buyers to be 21+ after a May 2024 policy shift. Experts warn both ingredients carry risks: kratom may cause opioid-like withdrawal, while chronic kava use could harm the liver. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes kratom’s “potential for abuse” in a 2023 bulletin, yet these tonics sit alongside energy drinks in gas stations.
How Addiction Claims Emerged
The Feel Free drink first drew scrutiny in early 2024 when TikTok user Louis described consuming three bottles daily—exceeding the recommended limit of two servings per 24 hours. “I have an addictive personality,” he admitted. “One a day turned to two… finally I’m thinking, ‘Damn, maybe I’m addicted.’” By summer, similar testimonials flooded social media. One mother commented on Misha’s video: “It temporarily ruined my son’s life… He became an addict who stole and lied.” Gas station employees echo these observations; one cashier told Misha users visit “five, six times a day” and act like “crackheads.”
Real-World Consequences Unfold
Misha’s confrontation wasn’t isolated. Other TikTok users describe the “Feel Free rabbit hole,” referencing a woman hospitalized after drinking nine bottles daily. Botanic Tonics settled a lawsuit in 2023 over inadequate kratom warnings and now labels it “habit-forming.” Still, accessibility remains high. As one commenter warned: “If ANYONE asks you to buy it, DO NOT! Customers become borderline aggressive if refused.” Another shared a cashier’s plea: “Please don’t buy that. Trust me, it’s not good for you.”
The Regulatory Gray Zone
Despite voluntary age limits, the Feel Free drink exploits regulatory gaps. The FDA doesn’t approve kratom for consumption, citing addiction risks and contamination concerns in a 2022 advisory. Yet vendors legally sell it as a “botanical supplement.” This ambiguity enables placement in convenience stores, where unsuspecting customers—like Misha—might grab it impulsively. “It’s called Feel Free, but it traps you in addiction,” he concluded. “That feels very nefarious.”
The Feel Free drink’s innocuous branding clashes with harrowing user experiences—from gas station altercations to hospitalizations. As TikTok amplifies these warnings, consumers face a critical choice: risk an unregulated high or heed the viral testimonials pleading, “Tell everyone you know!” Before grabbing that blue bottle, research the ingredients and prioritize safety over curiosity.
Must Know
Q: Is Feel Free illegal?
A: It’s legal in most states, though kratom is banned in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Botanic Tonics voluntarily enforces a 21+ purchase age.
Q: What are Feel Free drink side effects?
A: Users report opioid-like withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, anxiety, and insomnia. Long-term kava use may cause liver damage, per the National Institutes of Health.
Q: Why are gas stations selling it?
A: As a “dietary supplement,” it avoids strict alcohol/tobacco regulations. Stores profit from demand despite employee concerns about aggressive customers.
Q: Has the company addressed addiction claims?
A: Botanic Tonics settled a lawsuit over inadequate kratom warnings in 2023 and now labels it “habit-forming,” but maintains it’s “not for everyone.”
Q: What should I do if someone asks me to buy it?
A: Refuse and alert staff. As multiple incidents show, buyers may act desperately to obtain it.
জুমবাংলা নিউজ সবার আগে পেতে Follow করুন জুমবাংলা গুগল নিউজ, জুমবাংলা টুইটার , জুমবাংলা ফেসবুক, জুমবাংলা টেলিগ্রাম এবং সাবস্ক্রাইব করুন জুমবাংলা ইউটিউব চ্যানেলে।
