Buyers and Sellers Beware: CT Bans New List Of Drugs, Including ‘Gas Station Heroin’

Seven new substances will be banned in Connecticut as of Wednesday.

The state Department of Consumer Protection announced products containing the following will be illegal to possess, manufacture, sell or distribute:

• Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), including its leaves, stem and any extracts
• 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH, a kratom derivative)
• Bromazolam
• Flubromazolam
• Nitazenes, including, but not limited to, isotonitazene
• Tianeptine (commonly referred to as “gas station heroin”)
• Phenibut

All will be designated as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances in Connecticut, effective March 25.

Officials said the products come in a variety of consumable products, such as beverages, tinctures, pills and gummies.

Attorney General William Tong said he has sent letters to all known distributors and manufacturers to make sure they are aware of the change and comply with the law.

“As of Wednesday, it will be illegal to possess, manufacture, sell or distribute these drugs, including Kratom and tianeptine, sometimes referred to as gas station heroin,” Tong said. “These products are unsafe, untested, and if you see them, do not purchase them and call the police. These companies are on notice—if you sell in Connecticut, we will know, and we will hold you accountable.”

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz called the change a step in the state’s efforts to fight addiction.

“With false marketing that led consumers to believe these are safe products, and with candy-like flavor options, these substances posed a clear threat to those battling substance use disorder and our youngest residents,” Bysiewicz said.

Bryan Cafferelli, commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection, said the substances have no approved medical use, yet are widely available for sale and easily accessed by children.

“These products were never regulated, tested, or otherwise deemed safe for human consumption, but have been marketed as health products, misleading people to assume they are safe when, in fact, they are addictive, have a high potential for misuse, and pose a serious threat to public health and safety,” he said.

Col. Daniel Loughman, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police, said the classification of kratom as a Schedule I substance in Connecticut is “a clear line in the law.”

“The Connecticut State Police will not tolerate its illegal sale or distribution,” Loughman said. “Those who choose to ignore the law should expect enforcement action, including arrest and prosecution.”

Businesses still offering these products for sale should remove them from shelves immediately, officials said. Prior to March 25, products should be returned to wholesalers or destroyed.

Any questions should be directed to the Department of Consumer Protection’s Drug Control Division, at DCP.DrugControl@ct.gov.