Recap: Star investigates KC company behind a growing drug epidemic
An investigation by The Star highlights CBD American Shaman's controversial role in the proliferation of 7-OH, a potent opioid with high addiction risks.
The stories explore legal actions, consumer impacts and broader regulatory challenges associated with the drug. The Kansas City company's founder, Vince Sanders, draws intense scrutiny for allegedly marketing addictive substances under a natural guise.
In one article, the Kansas Department of Health warns against the risks of 7-OH sold in gas stations, advising people to avoid these products. Another article details lawsuits accusing American Shaman of deceptive practices related to its 7-OH sales, portraying them as a financially necessary move amid declining CBD sales.
NO. 1: ‘SINISTER INDUSTRY’: KANSAS CITY COMPANY BEHIND 7-OH & A GROWING OPIOID EPIDEMIC
In late July, inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, a middle-aged man named Curtis was selling Cocaine. | Published September 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall
NO. 2: ‘IT’S ADDICTIVE, AND IT’S EVERYWHERE’: KC COMPANY’S PILLS HOOK USERS ACROSS US
This is the final part of a three-part series about the rise of the gas-station opioid 7-OH and its ties to the Kansas City company CBD American Shaman. | Published September 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall
NO. 3: HOW WE REPORTED ON AMERICAN SHAMAN, VINCE SANDERS & THE DEBATE AROUND 7-OH
I’ve been a reporter for about 15 years now, and a surprising number of my story ideas have come from signs and billboards. | Published September 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall
NO. 4: HOW A POWERFUL OPIOID HAS PROLIFERATED ACROSS KANSAS CITY, BACKED BY A LOCAL COMPANY
Learn about a new opioid with addictive powers and a huge market share, made and spread by a Kansas City company. | Published September 17, 2025 | Read Full Story
NO. 5: KC-BASED AMERICAN SHAMAN HIT WITH NEW LAWSUIT OVER ‘DANGEROUS’ GAS STATION DRUG
A new class-action lawsuit accuses Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman and related entities of engaging in a scheme to defraud customers by aggressively marketing an addictive opioid derived from kratom while downplaying the risks of dependence and withdrawal. | Published September 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall
NO. 6: KANSAS OFFICIALS ISSUE WARNING AMID RISING CONCERNS ABOUT GAS STATION DRUG
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a public warning Wednesday about 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, a potent opioid increasingly sold in gas stations, smoke shops and online. | Published September 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.