Kratom also known as Mitragyna speciosa is a medicinal and recreational tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. Called "gas station heroin" for its psychoactive elements often compared to the effects of opioids and mostly being sold in gas stations/convenience stores.
On March 18 2026, the Michigan House passed a bill prohibiting a person from growing, synthesizing, selling, offering for sale, giving, importing, or distributing kratom or a synthetic variant of kratom.
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Rep. Cam Cavitt's bill to bar people from growing, selling, or distributing kratom — a plant-derived substance that can have effects similar to opioids — passed the Michigan House earlier this month. -
Today, we discussed a potential statewide ban of the addictive supplement kratom. Plus, we heard about a global gathering of ceramic artists that will draw thousands to Detroit. And, an On Hand episode unpacked how our state became a craft beer powerhouse. -
Officials in a Detroit metro community are concerned about the risks of widely available substances commonly referred to as "gas station heroin." The city of Warren might soon regulate the sale and possession of the substances.
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Millions of Americans use kratom, which is sold at gas stations, vape shops and bars. It can act like an opiate on the body. The FDA warns against using kratom, but most states don't regulate it. -
A state House committee will hold its first hearing this week on a bill to regulate the sale and use of a controversial herbal supplement. -
Today on Stateside, Republican state legislators are considering ways to pay for road repairs, including one proposal that would allow counties and cities…
