Marketing Guidelines
As leaf kratom is marketed as either a food or dietary supplement in the United States – not a drug – there are restrictions on the statements that can be made regarding leaf kratom products in marketing materials. No therapeutic, diagnostic, curative, medical, and/or preventative claims can be made about leaf kratom without approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration. It must be made clear that leaf kratom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
In the supplement industry, action is taken against many manufacturers and distributors in relation to label claims or claims made on other marketing materials (websites, social media channels, etc). Even customer testimonials or reviews that include statements that the product diagnosed, treated, cured, or prevented a disease are not allowed.
Any clinically diagnosed condition cannot be said to be helped by dietary supplements. Some examples include depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia. Alternative statements that can be used include relieves stress or promotes better sleep.
In the following table, examples of the above are separated into acceptable and unacceptable.
UNACCEPTABLE | ACCEPTABLE |
---|---|
Leaf kratom helps with anxiety | Helps with occasional anxiety and stress |
Leaf kratom is a stimulant | Helps with productivity enhancement |
Leaf kratom relieves pain | |
Leaf kratom treats post traumatic stress disorder | |
Leaf Kratom helps with depression | |
Leaf Kratom treats substance use disorders | |
Leaf kratom is euphoric | |
Leaf kratom treats diabetes |