Greater Cincinnati coroners warn of deadly drugs sold at gas stations, vape shops
Coroners in Greater Cincinnati warn that kratom products sold at gas stations and vape shops have been linked to about 14 suspected overdose deaths.Summary
Coroners from Hamilton, Butler, and Warren counties in Greater Cincinnati have issued a public warning about products marketed as natural supplements and sold at gas stations, vape shops, and online, which have been linked to about 14 suspected overdose deaths involving kratom and its chemical compounds in the past couple of months. Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian tree, can produce stimulant or opioid-like effects, and concentrated forms may contain variable and dangerously high levels of active alkaloids that can suppress breathing. Officials emphasized that retail availability does not guarantee safety and that labels may not accurately reflect contents. Some products are marketed under unrelated names such as cat's claw or berberine. While certain kratom alkaloids are illegal in Ohio, enforcement is complicated by inconsistent labeling and changing formulations. The warning comes as overall overdose deaths have declined in parts of the region, but coroners hope increased awareness will prevent further deaths.
(Source：Wcpo)
