GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WNEM) – School districts in Genesee County want parents to know about a rising danger their children can get their hands on.
TV5 is told that kratom, commonly referred to as “gas station heroin,” is being sold locally and ending up in the hands of students.
“We’ve had incidents in Genesee County where we’ve had children end up in the ER for an overdose on this, and it is happening,” said Dr. James Hudgens, CEO of New Paths Behavioral Health and Recovery Center in Flint.
Recently, the Genesee School District sent out a letter warning parents of the dangers of kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, known as 7-OH.
“My understanding is the school systems across the state are experiencing this in vapes and other forms, and it’s still readily available,” said Hudgens.
Hudgens said he has seen these products at local gas stations.
“It’s on the shelf, it’s right there at the register,” said Hudgens. “Probably going to be sitting right next to a 5-hour energy drink.”
As of May 13, Kratom products are not federally or state regulated.
“It can cause death,” said Hudgens. “It is something that should be regulated, it is not, and kids get ahold of it. You can go in, and this is what I’ve got, you got this. And you’ve seen it, you go in anywhere, and yes it’s supposed to be limited to over 18, but the reality is kids are getting it. They’re getting it in vape form, they’re getting it in pill form. And it can cause serious health concerns.”
Parents need to pay attention to what their kids have so they do not end up in the ER, or worse.
“Be aware of what your child has in your refrigerator,” said Hudgens. “Be aware of what your child is taking, what they’re getting at school. So education is key. We know quite often that children know more about what the new street hot thing is than we do, talk to them, ask them, get the resources, don’t be afraid to reach out to help, communicate with the school.”
In March, the state House passed legislation that would ban the sale of kratom products in Michigan. The bill is in the state Senate.
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