Connecticut Bans 'Gas Station Heroin' Substances Amid Growing State Crackdown

The state has outlawed several dangerous and addictive products often sold at convenience stores and vape shops.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Connecticut has banned the sale of several substances known as 'gas station heroin,' including the drugs tianeptine and kratom, which have been linked to addiction, overdose, and other serious health risks. The state has joined a growing number of states that have moved to outlaw these unregulated products that have been widely available for purchase at convenience stores, filling stations, and vape shops.

Why it matters

These substances, which have no approved medical uses, have been easily accessible to vulnerable populations like children, leading to concerns about public health and safety. The crackdown aims to remove these potentially dangerous and addictive products from the market and prevent further harm.

The details

Connecticut has added tianeptine, kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine, Bromazolam, Flubromazolam, Nitazenes, and Phenibut to its list of banned substances. Tianeptine, a tricyclic antidepressant, and kratom, a psychoactive substance from Asia, have both been linked to addiction and other serious side effects. These products are often sold under names like Tianaa, ZaZa, Neptune's Fix, Pegasus and TD Red.

  • The new ban in Connecticut goes into effect on Wednesday, March 29, 2026.
  • Fourteen states have already classified tianeptine as a controlled substance.
  • Kratom is banned in at least seven states, as well as in several major cities like Denver and San Diego.

The players

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection

The state agency that announced the ban on these substances, citing their lack of approved medical use, high potential for misuse, and serious threat to public health and safety.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong

The state's top law enforcement official who is warning distributors and manufacturers of these products that the state will hold them accountable if they continue to sell them in Connecticut.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary

The former Trump administration FDA commissioner who sounded the alarm last year about the 'dangerous and growing health trend' of these freely available products leading to 'serious harm.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These substances have no approved medical use and have been widely available for sale in establishments easily accessed by children and other vulnerable populations. 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.”

— Bryan Cafferelli, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection

“These products are unsafe, untested, and if you see them, do not purchase them and call the police. Today, I am mailing letters to every known distributor and manufacturer of these substances to ensure full awareness and compliance with the law. These companies are on notice—if you sell in Connecticut, we will know, and we will hold you accountable.”

— William Tong, Attorney General, Connecticut

What’s next

The Connecticut Attorney General's office has said it will be closely monitoring distributors and manufacturers to ensure compliance with the new ban, and will take legal action against any companies that continue to sell these substances in the state.

The takeaway

This crackdown in Connecticut highlights the growing concern over the proliferation of unregulated and potentially dangerous substances being sold as 'health products' at convenience stores and other easily accessible locations. The ban aims to protect public health, especially vulnerable populations, by removing these addictive and risky products from the market.