Carpino & Rutigliano Applaud Vote to Ban “Gas Station Heroin” Kratom

HARTFORD —State Representatives Christie Carpino (32) and David Rutigliano (123) hailed the bipartisan Regulations Review Committee for their vote to approve regulations banning the sale of kratom in Connecticut, citing serious public health and safety concerns.

Kratom, sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin,” is an unregulated substance often sold in Connecticut convenience stores and smoke shops, with little oversight regarding potency, purity, or marketing.

“Last year, we raised serious concerns in the General Law Committee about the unchecked sale of kratom in gas stations and smoke shops across Connecticut,” said Rep. David Rutigliano, House Republican Deputy Leader. “This is about protecting consumers — especially young people — from a product that is marketed as harmless but carries real risks. I appreciate the Regulations Review Committee taking action to address this threat.” 

“Connecticut cannot afford to look the other way while an addictive and potentially dangerous substance, like Kratom, is sold over the counter with no meaningful consumer protections, especially for our kids,” said Rep. Carpino, the House Co-chair of the Regulations Review Committee. “These regulations put public health first and close a dangerous loophole that has allowed kratom products to proliferate in our communities.” 

The approved regulations will prohibit the sale and distribution of kratom products in the state, aligning Connecticut with growing national scrutiny over the substance.