Kratom Products May Pose a Public Health Risk, Beltrami County Official Warns

Kratom products may pose a public health risk, Beltrami County official warns

BEMIDJI — Many know of heroin, an addictive and illegal opiate. Fentanyl, heroin’s synthetic counterpart, is also well known and has contributed to a nationwide opioid epidemic. However, other legal substances that mimic opioids and can be addictive exist, with one being coined “gas station heroin.” Kratom is the culprit, acting as a stimulant in low doses — boosting energy and alertness — and an opioid in large doses — sedation and reducing pai…

City, County Split on How to Deal With Kratom in Fresno

Both city and county of Fresno elected officials this week are taking on an unregulated herbal supplement called kratom that can be used as a recreational drug. And while county supervisors allowed some uses in their ban after hearing from kratom users about the natural leaf’s health benefits, the Fresno City Council will on Thursday consider a complete ban, going so far as making it a crime to sell. Kratom comes from a tropical tree native to S…