Suffolk County executive set to sign law protecting residents from 'gas station heroin'
HAUPPAUGE, New York (WABC) -- Suffolk County is taking steps to try to protect residents from what's known as "gas station heroin."
The county has enacted new restrictions on kratom, banning its sale and use for people under 21 while limiting adults to naturally derived products that will be subject to testing and regulation.
The legislation was signed by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and takes effect immediately. Violations of the new law can carry penalties of up to $1,000 in fines or one year in prison.
The action comes as officials seek to address concerns about kratom products, including synthetic forms that critics have labeled "gas station heroin" because they are sold in convenience stores and can act like opioids. One of the more potent products is known as "7-OH."
Camden Ackerman, 41, said he began using kratom to help manage lifelong back pain after seeing claims about its benefits.
"You see all kinds of things, like, this is a miracle cure and this is your cure for pain," Ackerman said.
Ackerman said he used natural kratom, which is derived from leaf compounds of a tree native to Southeast Asia, but eventually became addicted.
"Over the time of use, my liver enzymes spiked heavily," he said.
He also described experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
"There was one instance when I was traveling, didn't have it with me, and I was violently ill," Ackerman said.
Suffolk's law does not go as far as neighboring Nassau County's complete ban on kratom, including natural forms. Instead, Suffolk's legislation permits regulated, naturally derived kratom products for adults while prohibiting synthetic versions and restricting access for younger users.
At a bill-signing ceremony, Romaine urged retailers to stop carrying prohibited products.
"Every gas station owner, every convenience store, every smoke shop, get rid of these things," Romaine said.
Business owners at Roots Kava Bar in Port Jefferson said they support Suffolk's approach because it allows regulated natural kratom products while banning synthetics.
"We showed that there's a safe way and method to do it, 21 and up, lab testing, no synthetics," said Rober Lattig of Roots Kava Bar.
For Ackerman, treatment was the only solution to his addiction. He said he hopes his experience serves as a warning to others considering using the product.
"It's very alluring... but it comes with a large amount of consequences," Ackerman said.
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