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‘Gas station heroin’ crackdown moves forward as lawmakers target synthetic Kratom sales

State leaders are a step closer to banning sale of potentially dangerous supplement.

News 12 Staff

Jun 16, 2026, 6:05 AM

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A crackdown could be coming to a product often referred to as “gas station heroin.”

State lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban the sale of a synthetic form of Kratom known as 7-O-H.

The product is marketed as natural and is commonly sold on store shelves for energy or pain relief.

However, doctors warn the substance can be addictive and potentially dangerous.

Supporters of the legislation say stronger oversight is needed to protect consumers from harmful effects.

Some business owners say they understand the concerns but worry about the impact on sales.

“Hopefully there's some alternative that these people would be able to use that we would still legally be allowed to sell,” one smoke shop manager said.

The bill is now headed to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk for final approval.

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