Delaware lawmakers introduce new bill to ban “gas station heroin”

DOVER, Del. – Delaware lawmakers have introduced new legislation to ban Tianeptine, a chemical found in what’s known as “gas station heroin.”

“Gas station heroin” and the chemical found in it are being sold under the false pretense that it acts as a dietary supplement or an antidepressant, but in actuality it induces an opioid-like effect to those who consume it, causing dangerous and potentially life-threatening side-effects in some cases.

The products can be found at gas stations and vape stores across the First State. As a result, Delaware lawmakers have now introduced legislation, House Bill 21, to ban the sale of Tianeptine, classifying it as a Schedule I controlled substance.

“It’s sold in gas stations, vape stores, as a mood enhancer, a dietary supplement, to relieve stress, but, not only has it not been approved by the FDA, the FDA has now actually issued warnings to people that this is a dangerous drug,” explained State Senator Stephanie Hansen, one of the bill’s sponsors.

Senator Hansen tells us that there have been a number of cases where Delawareans have been poisoned by the products, and that young people are the ones who appear to be buying it.

“Our kids and our young people who are really the ones that are going into the vape shops, and going into the gas stations, and purchasing these things,” Senator Hansen said. “It promises all sorts of things. If you take a look at the bottles, it’s going to enhance your mood, it’s going to relieve anxiety, even some of them say no side effects, except for, ya know, addiction, overdose, and possible death.”

The bill has already garnered bipartisan support with at least one Republican signing on to sponsor the Democratic-led legislation.

The legislation currently awaits consideration in the House Health and Human Development Committee.