Whippets, kratom, delta8 and 9 and other synthetic substances that can give a quick high are easily accessible at smoke shops and gas stations.  The ease of finding these items can lead users to think that using them must be safe.  However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

What are Synthetic Substances and What is the Danger That They Pose

Kratom and delta8, frequently referred to as gas station weed for their ease of purchase and distribution channels, are plant-based supplements.  The touted benefits of these substances are plenty, ranging from calming anxiety and reducing pain to giving a pleasant buzz.  There is little research that has been conducted on these products, and they are not yet tightly regulated.  Early evidence has shown that these products are addictive.  There have also been incidents of psychotic and violent episodes.  With these products appealing to younger generations, experts are concerned that these substances will be the start of a lifetime of addiction.

One of the substances growing in popularity, kratom, can not only be highly addictive but it can also cause severe anxiety in users.  Users of popular synthetic substance delta8, commonly used for a sleep aid, have reported experiencing anxiety, hallucinations, dizziness, and even losing consciousness after using this product.

Targeting Teens Through Packaging and Distribution

Many of these synthetic substances, offering a quick feel-good rush, are packaged in a way that indicates they are marketing to teens and pre-teens.  With distribution channels that include gas stations and convenience stores, with products often mixed in with the rest of the store’s offerings this makes these items very accessible to younger generations.  Unlike nicotine, which is strongly regulated, these products are often marketed as mood enhancers, dietary supplements, and focus aids.  This gives the impression that they are not harmful and are safe for anyone to use.  Parents should be sure to speak to their children about these products, making them aware of the danger of using them.

Misconception of the Safety of Synthetic Substances

Since these products are so readily available at local smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas stations, there is a common misconception that they are safe to use.  The truth is that these plant-based synthetic substances have very little regulation.  This can be a recipe for disaster, as more and more young people are experimenting with these products.  The result can be catastrophic, from immediate adverse effects to a gateway into other drugs and addiction struggles. 

There is still a lot we don’t know about these synthetic substances, making them even more dangerous.  While the ease of purchasing these items, the packaging, and the marketing have made these products seem innocent, there can be devastating results.  The more we grow to know and understand synthetic substances like kratom and delta8, the more danger we realize that these substances can pose.  Don’t be lulled into thinking that these products are safe simply because they are sold legally in smoke shops and gas stations.