The Rise of "Gas Station Drugs

 For many people, the term "drug" still brings to mind illegal substances sold on street corners or through criminal networks. However, today's substance landscape looks very different than it did even a decade ago. Increasingly, products capable of producing psychoactive effects are being sold openly in convenience stores, smoke shops, vape shops, and online retailers. Because these products are displayed on store shelves and marketed as legal alternatives, many consumers assume they have been thoroughly tested, regulated, and proven safe.

Unfortunately, that assumption is often incorrect.

Across the United States, public health officials, poison centers, healthcare providers, and prevention professionals are raising concerns about a growing category of products sometimes referred to as "gas station drugs." While this is not an official medical or legal classification, the term generally refers to psychoactive products that are sold commercially rather than through traditional illegal drug markets. These products often include highly concentrated kratom extracts, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, tianeptine, synthetic cannabinoids, hemp-derived intoxicants, and other emerging compounds that continue to appear on the market.

One reason these products present unique challenges is because they blur the line between what consumers perceive as legal and what is actually safe.

Most people naturally assume that if a product can be purchased in a retail store, it has undergone extensive safety testing similar to prescription medications or food products. In reality, many products marketed as supplements or herbal products enter the marketplace under very different regulatory standards. Some have not been evaluated for safety or effectiveness before being sold, and the ingredients or concentrations may vary considerably between manufacturers.

This can create confusion for both adults and youth.

Marketing often reinforces this confusion. Products may be labeled with phrases such as "natural," "plant based," "herbal," "legal," or "dietary supplement." Attractive packaging, colorful graphics, and names suggesting energy, relaxation, focus, or wellness can make these products appear harmless. Some are even sold next to vitamins, energy drinks, or other consumer products, further reinforcing the perception that they are low risk.

However, appearance does not always reflect reality.

Recent testing of some commercial products has found inconsistencies between labeling and actual contents. Researchers have identified variations in potency, unexpected ingredients, manufacturing byproducts, and highly concentrated forms of compounds that differ substantially from naturally occurring plant material. These inconsistencies make it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are purchasing or how a product may affect them.

Health officials are especially concerned because the market for these products continues to evolve rapidly. Manufacturers regularly introduce new formulations, new delivery methods, and new compounds. Products are now commonly sold as gummies, capsules, drink mixes, liquid shots, powders, tablets, and flavored beverages. Some are marketed specifically toward younger consumers through colorful packaging and social media advertising.

Social media has accelerated the spread of these products.

Unlike previous generations, today's youth can learn about emerging substances almost instantly through short videos, influencers, online communities, and targeted advertising. A product that becomes popular in another state can quickly gain national attention through viral content. Marketing often emphasizes only the perceived benefits while minimizing or ignoring potential risks.

This changing environment makes prevention more challenging than ever before.

Previous prevention efforts often focused on a relatively small number of commonly recognized substances. Today, parents, educators, healthcare providers, and prevention organizations must stay informed about an ever-growing list of emerging products. By the time many adults become aware of a new substance, young people may have already encountered it online or through peers.

For rural communities like Lemhi County, staying informed is especially important.

Rural communities often have fewer healthcare resources, fewer behavioral health providers, and longer emergency response times than urban areas. These realities make prevention even more valuable. Helping families recognize emerging trends before they become local problems allows communities to respond proactively rather than react after harm has occurred.

Parents remain one of the strongest protective factors against youth substance misuse.

You do not need to know the name of every emerging substance to have effective conversations with your children. Instead, focus on teaching critical thinking and decision-making. Encourage youth to question advertising claims, recognize that legal does not always mean safe, and understand that products sold in stores may still carry significant risks.

Ask questions such as:

• Where did you hear about this product?
• What claims are being made?
• Who is selling it?
• Has it been tested by independent researchers?
• Why do you think it is being marketed the way it is?

These conversations help youth develop skills that apply not only to emerging substances but also to advertising, social media, and many other areas of life.

Communities also play an important role.

Schools, healthcare providers, businesses, law enforcement, faith organizations, prevention coalitions, and youth-serving organizations all contribute to creating environments where healthy choices are encouraged and supported. Community education helps ensure that accurate information reaches parents before misinformation spreads.

At SSAPCO, we believe prevention begins with awareness rather than fear.

Our goal is not to alarm the community or suggest that every new product represents an immediate local crisis. Instead, we believe communities are strongest when they stay informed about emerging trends, understand the science behind new substances, and maintain open conversations with youth before problems develop.

The drug landscape will continue to evolve. New products will continue to appear, and marketing strategies will continue to become more sophisticated. The most effective response is not panic—it is education.

By staying informed, asking questions, and working together as a community, we can help protect our youth and ensure they have the knowledge and support needed to make healthy decisions.

Prevention has always been about preparing for tomorrow's challenges before they become today's crisis. As the rise of so-called "gas station drugs" demonstrates, that mission has never been more important.