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John Oliver urges ban on gas-station heroin, 4,100 deaths

5/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

John Oliver warned that unregulated drugs are sold at gas stations.
Many items contain Zaza and tianeptine, dubbed “gas station heroin,” and are labeled as dietary supplements to exploit a 1994 law.
A 2024 report linked kratom and the potent opioid 7-Hydroxymitragynine to at least 4,100 deaths over three years.
Oliver said bans must include treatment for users while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the FDA discussed the dangers.

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Story summary

John Oliver warned that unregulated drugs are sold at gas stations.
Many items contain Zaza and tianeptine, dubbed “gas station heroin,” and are labeled as dietary supplements to exploit a 1994 law.
A 2024 report linked kratom and the potent opioid 7-Hydroxymitragynine to at least 4,100 deaths over three years.
Oliver said bans must include treatment for users while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the FDA discussed the dangers.