Deadly substance under scrutiny as kratom byproduct shows up in gas stations, smoke shops
HHS cracks down on 'synthetic opioid' found in some drinks, powders and tablets
A CBD and kratom dispensary is pictured in New York City. The substance, which is considered a "synthetic opioid," has been bottled into drinks, powders and tablets sold at vape shops, gas stations and other stores across the country. (Plexi Images/GHI/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
A pile of kratom leaves is seen at a stall in the market in Bangkok on September 11, 2021, in Bangkok, Thailand. Kratom is derived from the leaves of a tree (Mitragyna speciosa) found in regions of Southeast Asia. (Vachira Vachira/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The leaves of the tree contain more than 40 different active compounds, with the most prevalent being mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and speciofoline. (LOUIS ANDERSON/AFP via Getty Images)
"They’re marketed for children," RFK commented on the products at vape shops. "They’re gummy bears, they’re bright colors, they’re candy-flavored." (iStock)