Written by:
Jermaine Galloway
August 2025
The product known as Feel Free is trending, but it is not new. Actually, many of you have seen it! Take a look at what I have seen in your states…
There have been some recent news stories and questions about this product and its contents. Let me provide some insight into what I have seen over the years.
I first found this product 6-8 years ago while in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at a shop just off the beach. I am not certain how long it has actually been out there, but I know even then it wasn't a new product. Since then, I have seen it in most states across the US, from smoke shops to gas stations, even liquor stores.
I showed a slide in my training recently in Illinois with a display of the product in front of a Missouri liquor store (in a photo that I took last month). Most of you reading this have seen this displayed on a sticker on the door of a gas station or liquor store. I have even found it in malls, as some states don't carry any restrictions. It is also commonly left sitting on a shelf next to 7-OH (see previous newsletter).
I have seen different versions in stores, but what is actually in it?
Sometimes it has Kratom and Kava, and some versions just Kratom. Kratom is a plant that carries opioid like effects and is largely unregulated. Kava is also a plant-based depressant, not an opioid, but sometimes travels with drugs like opioids or alcohol. There could be other mixtures out there also… It is difficult to know all the variations.
Listen to my podcast about Kratom and Kava HERE.
And check out this DEA Fact Sheet about Kava HERE!