ALBANY COUNTY — While state and federal agencies are considering restrictions on the sale of kratom, known as “gas station heroin,” Albany County will issue a public-health order on Monday, banning its sale county-wide, deeming it a danger to life and health.
A death in Albany County this year was linked to a kratom product, according to a Friday release from the county anticipating the Aug. 24 order, which is to go into effect seven days after being signed.
While there are no uses for kratom approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, people report using kratom to manage drug withdrawal symptoms and cravings — especially related to opioid use — and for pain, fatigue, and mental-health problems, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse…