Ex-Obama administration employee dismissed for reportedly stealing to purchase kratom

Minneapolis Official Fired Over Theft Accusations A former deputy press secretary from the Obama era was let go from his position with the city of Minneapolis last week. The reason? He faced allegations of stealing cash and credit cards from city employees to purchase herbal supplements aimed at alleviating opioid withdrawal symptoms. Adam Fetcher, aged […]
Users claim ‘miracle drug’ kratom is actually a dangerous, addictive substance.

The Rise of Kratom and Its Impact on Users Bari Sinoyannis, a stay-at-home mom, sought a natural remedy for pain when she purchased kratom powder at a smoke shop in North Carolina back in 2022. She was drawn to its marketing as a plant-based alternative to traditional painkillers. “I thought, hey, I’ll give it a […]
Nassau County limits ‘whip-its’ and prohibits kratom sales in consecutive actions against teenage drug trends

Nassau County Enacts Restrictions on Nitrous Oxide Sales Nassau County has imposed limits on the sale of nitrous oxide cartridges, commonly referred to as “Whip-It” or “laughing gas.” Now, only licensed food establishments can sell these products, often misused by youth seeking a high. This legislation, passed by the Republican-led Legislature on Monday, originated from […]
Understanding kratom: Insights into the addictive supplement during the crackdown

It’s being called a dangerous substance. At least, that’s the position of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., head of the Department of Health and Welfare, as new federal efforts target certain substances. Substances like kratom, often available at gas stations and convenience stores, are under scrutiny due to their powerful effects and potential for misuse. What […]
People report significant health issues from herbal supplements that contain kratom

Herbal supplements referred to as “comfortable tonics” are raising eyebrows due to possible health risks. Some users describe it as a plant-based product developed by a company in Oklahoma. These tonics, also available in capsule form, can be found at various gas stations and retail outlets throughout the U.S. Their ingredients include Kava Extract, purported […]
RFK Jr. takes action against kratom, often referred to as ‘legal morphine’ in items sold at smoke shops.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has revealed intentions to reduce the availability of Kratom, a plant-derived substance that poses concerns for health authorities due to its opioid-like effects. Kratom is frequently marketed as a pain relief option and an energy enhancer, often sold in eye-catching packages at gas stations, smoke shops, […]
Understanding kratom: FDA focuses on harmful 7-OH items in nationwide enforcement

U.S. health agencies are addressing the dangers posed by substances that are widely accessible across the country. One such substance is 7-hydroxymitraginine, commonly referred to as 7-OH. This plant-derived compound is often used for pain relief but has also been linked to potential abuse and various adverse drug reactions. Health officials have categorized this substance […]
FDA advises classifying concentrated Kratom as an illegal drug

The Trump administration has proposed that 7-OH, a compound derived from the Kratom plant, be classified as an illegal substance, as announced by Food and Drug Director Marty McCurry on Tuesday. This compound, a by-product of Kratom, is often marketed as a dietary supplement that can enhance energy levels or alleviate pain. FDA officials indicated […]
Concealed opioid issue: How a synthetic opioid is taking advantage of the debate over kratom in America

During my time as CDC Director, I saw how quickly new substances can disrupt our public health systems. I need to highlight a pressing issue today: a potent synthetic opioid masquerading as natural kratom. Having spent decades as a virologist studying how pathogens evolve, I see a similar trend with dangerous substances that learn to […]
Cafe serving kava and kratom sues NYC for shutting it down over ‘dangerous’ teas

A Lower East Side man who spent his entire fortune on a cafe selling kava and kratom-infused teas said the city wrongfully shut him down, claiming the drinks were “dangerously adulterated.” Tobry McSmith, who opened Here and Now on Allen Street in December 2022, has filed a lawsuit to force the city to reopen the […]