Wheaton Moves to Ban Sale of Delta-8 THC and 'Gas Station Heroin'

The city is drafting an ordinance to prohibit the sale of certain psychoactive products typically found at gas stations and vape shops.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:33pm

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The city of Wheaton, Illinois is poised to join other suburban towns in banning the sale of products containing substances like delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and tianeptine, which has been referred to as 'gas station heroin'. The proposed ordinance would prohibit the sale of these and other psychoactive products that are often available at gas stations and vape shops.

Why it matters

The move by Wheaton reflects growing concerns over the proliferation of unregulated, potentially dangerous psychoactive substances that are easily accessible to consumers, including minors. Delta-8 THC and tianeptine have been the subject of FDA warnings about their health risks and potential for abuse.

The details

Wheaton's proposed ordinance would ban the sale of products containing delta-8 THC, kratom, recreational nitrous oxide, and tianeptine. The FDA has warned about delta-8 THC products that closely resemble popular snack food brands, which could confuse consumers, especially children. Tianeptine, referred to as 'gas station heroin', is not approved by the FDA for any medical use.

  • The city has drafted the ordinance banning these products.
  • The FDA issued warnings about delta-8 THC and tianeptine products in 2024.

The players

Wheaton

The city in Illinois that is drafting an ordinance to ban the sale of certain psychoactive products.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The federal agency that has warned about the health risks and potential for abuse of delta-8 THC and tianeptine products.

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What they’re saying

“The Food and Drug Administration in 2024 warned of several companies selling delta-8 THC products that closely resemble popular snack food brands 'by using similar brand names, logos, or pictures on packaging that consumers, especially children, may confuse with traditional foods.'”

— Food and Drug Administration

What’s next

The Wheaton City Council will vote on the proposed ordinance banning the sale of delta-8 THC, kratom, recreational nitrous oxide, and tianeptine products.

The takeaway

Wheaton's move to ban these unregulated psychoactive substances reflects growing concerns over the proliferation of potentially dangerous products that are easily accessible, especially to vulnerable populations like children. This action aligns with the FDA's warnings about the health risks associated with delta-8 THC and tianeptine.