PA Lawmakers Vote to Ban Dangerous 'Gas Station Heroin'

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has advanced legislation to outlaw "gas station heroin," a substance identified as tianeptine. This move comes as officials express grave concerns over the drug's widespread availability and addictive nature across the country.

Tianeptine, an opioid-like compound, is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for any medical use. The FDA has reported that this unregulated substance has been associated with numerous overdoses and fatalities, including a confirmed death in Fayette County in April.

State Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized the risks to Pennsylvanians. House Bill 377, which passed on Tuesday, proposes making the manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to distribute tianeptine a felony offense. Penalties could include up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

The Fayette County coroner's office reported the county's first accidental overdose death linked to tianeptine in April. The coroner issued a warning about severe withdrawal symptoms, respiratory depression, seizures, and the potential for death, urging legislative action.

While the bill garnered broad support, two representatives from Allegheny County voted against it. Rep. Emily Kinkead argued that criminalizing possession is not an effective approach to substance use disorder, advocating instead for a health-focused, nuanced strategy. The bill now proceeds to the state Senate for further consideration.