A new heroin-like drug is sweeping the streets… and it’s legal in NC.
Word on the street is there’s a trendy drug in town (and sweeping the country) that’s dangerously addictive—but 100% legal in NC… and as easy to get here as a pack of smokes or vape juice.
Banned in six states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin) for its possible addictive properties, this opioid-like powdery herbal substance—called kratom—has even been classified as a Schedule 1 drug (think heroin, LSD) in Alabama.
Highly controversial—with mixed opinions and ordinances on the overall accessibility and legality of the substance—there seems to be no question that kratom’s side effects can be dangerous. Arguably the “it” party drug, kratom makes for an easy swap for the highly illegal cocaine sniffs and heroin hits that preceded it.
Pronounced KRAY-tum, the substance is, at its root, a Southeast Asia evergreen tree whose leaves have psychotropic (aka mind-altering) effects, as they contain chemicals that, when ingested—quite frankly—get you high. Lower doses deliver you that stimulating cocaine-like effect, while higher doses (which are reportedly the most popular usage) render an opiate-like high and euphoric effects en masse.
And it’s not a gateway drug. It’s a drug people of all ages and stations are taking (some in very large doses) to get high, or to enhance or alter their high (say from drinking, opioids, other meds)—and it’s even linked to fatal overdoses (though many cases have involved mixing kratom with other substances).
Unregulated, as it’s not approved for any medical use, the dried leaves are sold as powder, capsules, extracts, gum and tea leaves (which some people even smoke) and are usually marked “not for human consumption”—and are known widely as kratom, but also go by such street names as herbal, herbal speedball, thom, ketum, ithang, kakuam, biak and so on.
One Raleigh resident, Jesse Mosey, thought she had never heard of it by any name when a friend recently passed her a handful (literally) of kratom pills on their way out Downtown. “Here,” he said. “Take these. You’ll feel great.”
She declined—and watched her friend shove the entire handful in his mouth, as did others in their group. Then it got scary. “They were on another wave,” says Mosey. “It slowed them down tremendously. Their reaction time was nonexistent; they were out of their heads with thought process; one of them was throwing up; some itching, sweating … it was basically the same as if they had taken opioids—and they were addicted.”
It wasn’t until an epiphany the next morning that Mosey realized she knew what kratom is—and how prevalent it is. “I asked my brother about it the next day,” she says. “I know a lot of people back home [on the North Carolina coast] who use kratom and didn’t realize it until that night. They are really dependent on it. It’s everywhere.”
Local Natalie Philips has also seen firsthand the dark side of kratom after witnessing her friends’ usage, volume intake and reliance on the substance. “One thing I will not forget is, one time, we were going to brunch, and they took a few spoonfuls–[they] usually only take one or a little more–prior to leaving the house,” she says. … “At the restaurant one friend got so sick—started sweating and looked like she was gonna pass out, before throwing up profusely… afterward, she said she must have OD’d.”
Given kratom’s key chemical components—the psychoactive mitragynine and the even more-potent 7-hydroxymitragynine—Philips’ surmise makes sense. While there is more mitragynine (a pain reliever traditionally used to treat such common ailments as wounds, fever, muscle soreness) in kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine is 13 times more potent than morphine and 46 times more potent than mitragynine.
According to the FDA, these kratom compounds bind to mu-opioid receptors in the brain (the same ones activated when you take heroin or pain pills). Ironically, one of kratom’s first known uses—beyond 19th century traditional medicine—was in 1836, to treat an opioid addiction. Kratom has likewise been used for ages in the U.S. as a holistic herbal remedy for chronic or acute pain (think opioid Rx alternative), anxiety or depression, as well as an aid for those battling to overcome an opioid addiction.
And, aye, there’s the rub. Just as kratom has been subbed to replace opioid prescriptions, alleviate heroin withdrawal symptoms, reduce meth intake and more, its very opioid-like effects make it highly addictive—and are what can lead to abuse.
“I mean, they weren’t running around trying to eat people or anything—but they were just out of it. It’s not right.”
While kratom seems to be picking up in popularity, the controversy, just like the substance, is not new. Back in 2016, Senate Bill 830, sponsored by Republican State Sen. Thomas McInnis, attempted to add kratom to the controlled substance list. But kratom advocates highlighted misleading information within the bill and petitioned against it. Thus, a rewrite was born. House Bill 747, the current state legislation on kratom, exists with only the requirement of age restriction (you must be over the age of 18 to buy it).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there have been published cases of kratom exposure associated with psychosis and seizures. On top of this, the Drug Enforcement Agency intended to classify the product as a Schedule 1 drug, but the federal level saw parallels to NC’s own prohibitory hiccup as they faced demonstrations from kratom advocates, and the proposition was halted.
Over recent years, the fate of this herbal speedball has been in limbo (see timeline below). But the FDA’s current stance reads clear. This May, FDA Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs Dr. Janet Woodcock tweeted, “There are currently no FDA-approved therapeutic uses for products containing kratom, and the FDA has identified significant safety concerns associated with its use.”
Yet despite the warnings, kratom remains unregulated and seems to be flying largely under the radar… and some people in positions of power continue to resist controlling the substance, as do proponents of either the drug or the freedom of choice.
“I personally do not have a problem with it,” says Philips, despite what she’s witnessed firsthand. “To me, it’s like marijuana—as long as it’s not abused in great forms, then why should it be an issue?“
Local Jeff Campbell, who, too, has witnessed kratom use by friends, echoes the sentiment: “I don’t know of any major side effects, but people should be able to choose what they put in their bodies.” Key words—“know of any major side effects.”
Mosey disagrees. “It’s so scary to think this is legal,” she says. “I mean, they weren’t running around trying to eat people or anything—but they were just out of it. It’s not right. … You definitely don’t become dependent on marijuana. And people get withdrawals after taking kratom for a period of time.”
To date, while it remains legal in NC, the debate continues—and it looks like it’s high time for some further scientific research and a good old-fashioned PSA.
*All names were changed to protect individuals’ identities.
KRATOM REGULATION TIMELINE
Kratom: 2016
DEA announces intent to place Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine on the Schedule 1 drug list.
DC protest opposing the DEA ban, where Botanical Education Alliance Director Travis Lowin declared the DEA “has failed Americans in its efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, and targeting kratom will make the situation worse.”
DEA withdraws notice of intent and opens official public comment period.
Kratom: 2017
FDA issues public health advisory on kratom.
Kratom: 2018
FDA produces evidence of “opioid properties.”
DHHS recommends ban on kratom compounds.
Kratom: 2019
The FDA increases warnings to sellers labeling the drug as a supplement that treats health concerns (pain, anxiety, addiction). Only FDA-approved drugs can make such declarations.
Kratom: 2021
U.S. Marshalls seize 207,000+ units of dietary supplements containing kratom from a manufacturer in Florida at the FDA’s request, worth $1.3 million.
NC State releases a series of wines in partnership with state wineries.
Giving you one more reason to “wine” about it, now your “pour” decisions can support the Pack. Enter the NC State University Hallowed Places Collection of premium vintage vinos—a just-announced partnership between the university and state wineries. The first in the limited-edition lineup is this Shelton Vineyards The Brickyard red wine blend, a portion of the proceeds of which support NC State student scholarships.
For this varietal, Shelton Vineyards was plucked for the plum partnership from a vat of other interested wineries via a North Carolina Wine & Grape Council-hosted tasting panel. “We were honored to be chosen to create this wine,” says Shelton Vineyards co-owner Mandy Shelton Houser, “and hope you enjoy the fruits of our labor—and a partnership that is uniquely North Carolinian.”
Emblazoned with a brilliantly designed label of the U’s iconic Brickyard—mad credit to NCSU College of Design graphic design student Carter Avayou—the bottle is available for order from the vineyard’s website. Or you can sip and relax in the vineyard’s tasting room. Just don’t rest on your laurels—this limited edition caps at 2,500 bottles.
But before you become uncorked—there will be more blends highlighting more “Hallowed Places.” Set to expand the series in coming years, NC State plans to partner with a select NC winery from the nearly 200 across the state for each iteration—and looks to launch officially licensed wines with state vineyards across other categories as well (think, for example, the university’s unique historic ties to the muscadine grape).
“North Carolina viticulture is a deep-rooted and strong part of our research and work at NC State, as well as a growing sector of the economy across our state,” says Christopher Boyer, assistant vice chancellor of strategic brand management at NC State. “This partnership showcases the important work of NC State Extension agents to help farmers across the state thrive. And, with a portion of proceeds benefiting academic scholarships, it will help us further our commitment to providing opportunities and access for students.”
Palatable potables that are farm-friendly and aid academics? Sounds like a good excuse to pour one out for the Pack. $39.99, sheltonvineyards.com
Flood-prone nuisance elevated to urban Waterfront District
If you’ve lived in Raleigh for any significant length of time, then you know on a rainy day the Crabtree Creek area floods to mind images of news anchors standing in rushing waters, submerged car lots and impassable roads. It’s also likely not lost on you that, shy of a few lakes, we live in a waterless town—dry of the waterfront draws of such cities as Chicago, Austin… even Richmond—and existing as one of the few capitals not built along water or a bay.
Now, making water out of, well, water (or lemonade out of lemons, if you will) is the emerging Midtown Waterfront District—one of seven “Big Moves” (see sidebar) the City of Raleigh is making as part of its Walkable Midtown plan (the name a nod to the huge emphasis on walkability and connectivity).
“The proposed Waterfront Park District is hugely ripe with potential for development.” —Tara Robbins, MRA Executive Director
Ever since the General Assembly swiped right on Raleigh in 1788 as the home of our state government over, say, the bustling little waterfront town of Fayetteville, city planners and citizens alike have dreamed up myriad ways to flow water into DTR—nod to the once in-jest concept of a Capital Boulevard Canal.
“People simply like to be close to water, and active urban waterfronts are beloved places in many cities across the globe,” says City of Raleigh Senior Planner Jason Hardin. And while Downtown water may still be a dried up idea… “what if we can bring an urban place to an existing waterfront?” adds Hardin—“a place that combines an active, lively urban district with an existing waterway that actually has higher flow than many rivers in the state.” Ergo, reconfiguring the northern edge of Crabtree Creek, adjacent to Creekside and Industrial drives just south of Midtown East—Wegmans, Costco, etc.—on Wake Forest Road.
Picture this. Riding your bike on rolling waterside greenways before propping up for a brew with views. Strolling with your partner or pup before popping into a hip retail spot. Perching with a book pre meeting friends for a bite on the banks. All positioned in a reimagined high-density residential area chock-full of 7- to 12-story mixed-use buildings with residential, retail and restaurants.
“Once we started looking at the area alongside the Crabtree, we realized the potential opportunity,” adds Hardin. “For most of the city’s history, it has turned its back on the Crabtree.” Hence, now you see parking, vacant lots, warehouses. Much of the current industrial area is past its usable life cycle—not to mention that floodplain.
Some of the pieces have already begun to fall into place, including a recent city land acquisition of property along the bank of the Crabtree Creek that can form the heart of the future Midtown Waterfront Park.
What’s next? The city is actively seeking private partners to help manifest this vision. “We had conversations with a number of property owners and builders during the planning process,” says Hardin. “There are major plans for two sites north of Six Forks Road along Industrial Drive, and similar projects closer to the waterfront seem likely as well.”
Adds Hardin: “I think people have been captivated by this vision for a Waterfront District.” Captivated, indeed.
From the famous to fashionistas, style-savvy peeps are bringing back this “it” tassel-y trend—and we are here for it. Originally rising to fame thanks to Roaring ’20s flappers, the trend has trickled in and out of fashion over the last century—seeing popularity dotted across the ’60s, ’70s, ’90s and even circa 2016—from clutches and earrings to skirts, jeans and more.
Now, fringe fashion is no longer, well, on the fringe. “Fringe used to be primarily seen on bags and boots for a boho or Western vibe,” says fab’rik Raleigh owner Paige Garner, “but no longer… with all aspects of ready-to-wear benefiting from a little fringing.”
Whether adding a little whimsy to a basic sweater or jacket, or even elevating a simple top or dress to statement-making, “the fringe trend is in full force this year,” says Garner. “Even your holiday-wear will have more tassels than before. So embrace your inner boho babe.” Challenge accepted. Perry faux suede fringe detail top, $62, fabrikstyle.com
Spoiler alert: Not all cooking videos are created equal. Raising the bar (and fun factor) is Raleigh’s “The Dude” and his recently launched YouTube cooking channel. Trust us—it’s flippin’ awesome.
There’s so many YouTube cooking channels out there—why stream this one? Well “the dude,” naturally. Longtime Raleighite (by way of Rhode Island) and ever-charming and hilarious Jared Philcox is bringing his charisma and cooking flair to any screen near you with a splash—literally (his Blackstone Griddle is poolside, and he’s known for a mid-taste-test cannonball)—with his recently launched Cookin With the Dude. Cue Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball.”
Now a handful of episodes in, the oh-so-relatable married father-of-two—who spends his days identifying supply chain risk for his customers (hot topic)—is hitting the scene like a wrecking ball indeed—and bringing to Raleigh (and the world) a diverse range of quick and easy delish dishes we didn’t know we were missing… but that we so need right now. Here, we talk to “The Dude” about food, family, griddle goodness and more. youtube.com/c/cookinwiththedude
Where’d you earn your culinary chops?Just living with and learning from the best. My mom and dad opened a French restaurant, Le Bistro, on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport, Rhode Island, shortly before I was born, so I grew up around cooking and entertaining guests my whole life.
Ooh, la la! Give us the dish on the backstory? While my grandfather was in the FBI, my dad went to American High School in Paris. There, he learned to appreciate the many aspects of French cuisine and culture. Back in the U.S. at the University of Colorado, he had a lot of fun cooking for his friends—recreating how they ate in Paris. That’s where he got the inspiration for Le Bistro.
Your biggest inspo in the kitchen, besides pops? My dad was the ‘chef,’ but my mom is an amazing cook as well. So the inspiration for me comes not so much in the cooking per se, but more from the gathering and entertaining aspect of it.
Is that the impetus of your channel? Yes. We’re always entertaining at our house, and, in turn, always cooking for people. I love to entertain—enjoying great things to eat and making people happy is a huge part of that for me. I get asked all the time how I make this or that, so I’ve always said I should just make a video. … So, with the channel, I want to show people how easy it can be to cook really, really good food.
So it’s really about creating an experience? Yes. My mom and dad always had this quote from Fernand Point, a French chef and restaurateur who is considered to be the father of modern French cuisine: ‘If the divine creator has taken pains to give us delicious and exquisite things to eat, the least we can do is prepare them well and serve them with ceremony.’ I feel like this is the perfect description of what I do. I still have a picture of the quote in my kitchen.
So why “The Dude.” Is this a nod to The Big Lebowski? (laughs) Everyone calls me ‘dude’—even the neighborhood kids. It has nothing to do with Lebowski and everything to do with… I’m just ‘dude.’
Tell us about “The Dude” persona. How does that differentiate you? Delicious food can be quick and easy, and The Dude is all about accessibility and fun—so for the sake of approachability and entertainment, I like incorporating the pool and doing stupid stuff like jumping in—which might end up being a trademark.
Should we expect a culinary theme? No. It’s not so much a type of food—but more just quick and easy ways to make delicious food. It’ll be very diverse… anything from breakfast options to burgers and sandwiches to chicken marsala to boiled lobster to hibachi.
Surely you’ll share a few of those family recipes? Yes! I’m heading to Boston to hang out with my brothers (who also love to cook—and do it well), and we’re going to make my dad’s mac ’n’ cheese recipe, along with wagyu steak and a veggie side. It’s going to be amazing food and wine—and a lot of laughs.
Are you hoping to be the next Jamie Oliver—what’s the long goal? It would obviously be great to have this take off and be able to spend more time creating great content more often, but, for now, I’m just having fun with it. Though my friends’ kids think I’m famous just with the handful of videos I already have on the channel—so it’s a lot of fun to do. I’m definitely excited for what’s to come.
Any surprises in store? Yes! The NFL Tailgate Edition, filming from the parking lot at Washington Football Team vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 14! Stay tuned for the episode.
