Kratom Curbs: Suffolk Bans 'Gas Station Heroin' for Under 21s

Suffolk County has implemented new regulations on kratom products, aiming to safeguard residents from substances referred to as 'gas station heroin.' Effective immediately, the sale and consumption of kratom are prohibited for individuals under 21 years of age. The legislation, signed into law by County Executive Ed Romaine, permits adults to access naturally derived kratom products that will be subject to rigorous testing and oversight.

Synthetic versions of kratom, which can mimic opioid effects and are often sold in convenience stores, are banned under the new law. Penalties for violations include fines up to $1,000 or a one-year prison sentence. This approach differs from Nassau County's complete ban, with Suffolk opting for a regulated market for natural kratom while prohibiting its more potent synthetic counterparts. Business owners in the regulated industry support this balanced approach, emphasizing safety measures like age restrictions and lab testing.