More US states push to ban kratom drink deemed ‘gas-station heroin’

In recent months, at least eight US states have banned kratom, a plant-derived substance often labeled as 'gas-station heroin' due to its alleged addictive qualities. As its popularity grows, more people are consuming kratom-infused drinks marketed as "herbal tea mocktails," despite growing concerns about its potential for addiction. The push for bans reflects a broader public health debate about psychoactive substances' safety and regulation, highlighting the need for more research and awareness on their long-term effects.