A transparency and compliance explanation from Dan Marold
Phenibut Explained: Why Chill6 Used It, Why It Won’t Again, and What the Law Says
This article explains what phenibut is, why it was originally used in Chill6, why it has been permanently removed, and how U.S. law regulates its use in consumable products.
Dan Marold & Chill6 Have Been Featured In






Phenibut is a word that carries a lot of weight online, often discussed without context, clarity, or accuracy. Over time, it has become associated with fear-driven headlines, even though most people don’t actually understand what it is, how it has been used historically, or why it became a regulatory issue in the United States.
This article exists to explain phenibut clearly and factually, why it was originally used in Chill6, why it will never be used again, and what U.S. law actually says about it.
What Is Phenibut?
Phenibut, short for β-Phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid, is a synthetic compound structurally related to GABA, a neurotransmitter naturally produced in the human brain.
Phenibut was developed in the 1960s in the former Soviet Union, where it has been studied and used in various contexts. Outside the United States, it has appeared in research literature and consumer markets for decades.
However, international use and U.S. regulatory approval are not the same thing, and that distinction is critical.
Why Phenibut Became a Regulatory Issue in the U.S.
Under U.S. law, ingredients used in food, beverages, or dietary supplements must meet specific legal criteria. According to the FDA and DOJ:
Phenibut is not an approved dietary ingredient
It is not Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
It is not approved as a food additive
There are no established conditions of safe use in food under U.S. law
Because of this, any consumable product containing phenibut is considered an adulterated food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
This classification applies regardless of dosage, intent, or anecdotal experience.
Why Chill6 Originally Used Phenibut
When Chill6 was first formulated, phenibut was:
Widely discussed in wellness and nootropic communities
Sold openly online in standalone form
Referenced in international research and consumer forums
Familiar to a segment of consumers seeking calming routines
At the time, the decision to include phenibut was based on:
Consumer awareness
Existing international literature
A belief that the ingredient aligned with the product’s intended experience
What was not fully understood at the time was how strictly U.S. law separates:
International research
Consumer anecdotes
Regulatory approval for use in consumable products
That gap in understanding ultimately mattered.
What Phenibut Was Not Used For
It’s important to clarify what phenibut was not used for in Chill6.
Chill6 was not intended to:
Diagnose disease
Treat medical conditions
Replace medication
Provide clinical outcomes
However, marketing language matters as much as formulation, and under U.S. law, even indirect references can change how a product is classified.
This combination of ingredient status and regulatory interpretation is what led to enforcement action.
Why Chill6 Will Never Use Phenibut Again
This decision is permanent.
Chill6 will never include phenibut in any future product, formulation, or variation.
Not because of fear, but because of clarity.
The lessons learned are simple:
Regulatory compliance is not optional
Ingredient legality matters more than popularity
Intent does not override statutory definitions
Trust is built through adherence to standards, not assumptions
The new Chill6 is built only with ingredients that:
Are permitted under U.S. law
Have clear regulatory pathways
Can be marketed responsibly
Support long-term compliance and consumer trust
What the Law Actually Says (In Plain English)
Under U.S. law:
A consumable product may not include ingredients that are not approved or recognized as safe
Products containing such ingredients are considered adulterated
Regulatory agencies may seek civil enforcement to stop distribution
These actions are regulatory, not criminal
The law focuses on preventing future violations, not assigning moral judgment.
What This Means Today
Today:
Phenibut is permanently removed from Chill6
The product has been rebuilt from the ground up
Compliance is the foundation, not an afterthought
Marketing language is structured to avoid misclassification
Professional oversight is in place to ensure alignment with U.S. regulations
This is not a workaround. It is a reset.
Why Transparency About Phenibut Matters
Ignoring phenibut or pretending it never existed would be easier, but it wouldn’t be honest.
Transparency builds trust. Context prevents misinformation. Accuracy allows people to understand what actually happened rather than relying on headlines or assumptions.
This page exists so anyone searching for “phenibut” and “Chill6” can find facts instead of fear.
My Final Thoughts
Phenibut is not a mystery ingredient, nor is it a simple one. It exists at the intersection of international research, consumer curiosity, and strict U.S. regulation.
The mistake was not malicious intent, it was underestimating how uncompromising that regulatory line truly is.
That lesson has been learned, applied, and built into every decision moving forward.
The Dan Marold Promise
Today, I stand by what I call The Dan Marold Promise, a personal and professional vow to live differently and to lead with integrity.
Compliance First
Every future product will be 100% lawful, FDA-compliant, and manufactured under GMP-certified standards.
Transparency Always
No more exaggerated claims. Everything will be backed by clear science, honesty, and full disclosure.
Customers Above All Else
People’s trust and safety are more valuable than any
Sustainable Practices
Business will be built responsibly, for the consumer and for the
Redemption in Motion
Mistakes don’t define me, how I rise from them
Redemption in Motion
The tagline of my mission, “Redemption in Motion,” means that redemption is not a one-time event, it’s a daily commitment.
I don’t claim to be perfect. I am simply a man who made mistakes, learned from them, and now lives with the responsibility of turning those lessons into a better path forward.
Moving Forward with Chill6™
The Return of Chill6™ is already in motion. This time, it will be
Reformulated without Phenibut
or any unapproved ingredients
Reviewed by medical professionals
to ensure safety and compliance.
Supported with transparent product information
including full ingredient panels, third-party testing, and certificates of analysis.
Positioned honestly
never making unapproved drug claims, but focusing on wellness and structure-function benefits.
The new Chill6™ will represent not just a product, but a promise, that people can trust what they are putting into their bodies.
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