BEMIDJI — Many know of heroin, an addictive and illegal opiate. Fentanyl, heroin’s synthetic counterpart, is also well known and has contributed to a nationwide opioid epidemic.

However, other legal substances that mimic opioids and can be addictive exist, with one being coined “gas station heroin.”

Kratom is the culprit, acting as a stimulant in low doses — boosting energy and alertness — and an opioid in large doses — sedation and reducing pain — though the effects can differ between individuals.

Kratom earned its nickname due to its widespread availability at gas stations and its natural origin. Kratom is derived from the kratom plant found in Southeast Asia, similarly to how heroin comes from the opium poppy plant.

Like heroin, kratom has its own fully synthetic counterpart known a

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