Underage Reporter Easily Buys Kratom in Manhattan Smoke Shops

An underage reporter was able to purchase kratom, an opioid-like substance, from nearly half of the smoke shops visited in Manhattan without being asked for identification. The investigation, conducted by a 20-year-old reporter from The Post, found that out of 23 smoke shops visited along 8th Avenue, only nine requested proof of age.

In New York, individuals must be at least 21 years old to legally purchase products containing or derived from the kratom plant. This plant, native to South Asia, is known for producing euphoric or sedative-like effects.

Of the shops visited, seven refused to sell to the reporter because she could not prove she was 21. Two other establishments asked if she was 21 but did not request to see identification. The reporter did not ultimately purchase any products from any of the stores.

"There's many little smoke shops around, they sell whatever they want because they don't have the license or anything," said Rohi Bati, 38, manager of Esmoke on 40th Street and 8th Avenue, who was among those who asked for and were refused identification from the reporter.

Products containing 7-OH, a compound derived from kratom that experts claim is significantly more potent than morphine, are increasingly common in smoke shops. These products, which include pills, powders, drinks, and gummies, are often marketed in brightly colored packaging resembling candy or energy drinks and have been dubbed "gas station heroin" by critics.

Rich Marianos, a former ATF official and executive with the Tobacco Law Enforcement Network, stated that the willingness of some shops to sell these products without age verification was not surprising. "These guys [smoke shops] are such bad actors... So why would you expect them to say, well, ‘are you 21?’ They’re giving all this stuff to kids," Marianos commented.

Kratom poses significant health risks, acting as a stimulant in low doses and a sedative in higher doses. Wendy Chamberlain, founder of the nonprofit Kratom Danger Awareness, has been assisting individuals struggling with kratom addiction, including teenagers as young as 17. Her advocacy stems from the death of her son, Joseph Chamberlain, who died of an accidental kratom overdose in 2020.

The offices of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the NYC Health Department, and the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection did not respond to requests for comment on the findings.