Smoke shops under fire in Philly over unregulated products

Philadelphia is debating new rules for smoke shops that sell unregulated substances like kratom and hemp-based THC. Two bills aim to tighten control by classifying these products as "intoxicating, " requiring special licenses, and testing for safety. Buyers would also need to be over 21. The push comes after years of complaints about smoke shops linked to crime, poor neighborhood conditions, and easy access to questionable products. Kratom, a plant from Southeast Asia, is at the center of the debate. In small doses, it acts as a mild stimulant, while larger amounts can act as a painkiller. But highly concentrated extracts like 7-OH kratom have raised concerns because they target opioid receptors in the brain, increasing the risk of addiction. Doctors like Bella Kalayilparampil from the University of Pennsylvania have treated patients who started with natural kratom but later struggled with dependence on stronger versions. One former user, Danny Rosenberg, described withdrawal symptoms as far worse than those from opioids like OxyContin.While some experts argue for regulation, others question whether kratom is as dangerous as opponents claim. Dr. Ed Boyer, who recently testified on the issue, admitted he had received only a handful of calls about kratom-related addiction—far fewer than the crisis in neighborhoods like Kensington. Yet his testimony was funded by a law firm that works with kratom companies, raising questions about conflicts of interest. Kratom sellers are pushing back, saying the new rules could ban even natural leaf kratom by treating it like a prescription drug. Allison Smith, from the Global Kratom Coalition, warned against turning regulation into a full ban, calling for a balanced approach. Meanwhile, community groups argue enforcement has been weak. Landlords and store owners often find loopholes, closing one shop only to reopen under a new name. Kids walking to school pass smoke shops daily, while seniors feel unsafe at night due to crowds outside. Some products, like hemp edibles, have been found contaminated with mold and pesticides—risks that regulated cannabis markets avoid. Despite multiple past attempts to crack down, enforcement remains inconsistent. As councils debate the new bills, residents wonder: Will these rules finally bring change, or will the cycle of evasion continue?