COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Health officials in North Idaho issued a warning Monday about the dangers of the drug kratom, otherwise known as “herbal speedball” and “gas station heroin.”
Panhandle Health District put out a district-wide warning about the drug, just as the Spokane City Council considers an ordinance to ban its sale in the city.
Sold in gas stations and other shops, health experts say kratom – at low doses – provides a boost in energy and alertness. The drug, however, is highly addictive and the potentness can vary wildly.
“Kratom, and in particular 7-OH, appears to be a growing problem in Northern Idaho and the rest of the nation,” said Panhandle Health District’s Medical Director, Gregory Pennock, MD. “Deaths associated with kratom use have occurred in Northern Idaho per my communications with the Kootenai County Coroner. The health district wants to increase local awareness of these potentially dangerous products for individuals, parents, educators, healthcare workers, government officials and retailers.”
The health district recommends avoiding all kratom products, especially those containing 7-OH.
Other cities and states have banned or have considered banning the sale of kratom products.
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