The expertise of the faculty at Pitt Nursing is once again in the spotlight. KDKA-TV interviewed Assistant Professor Dr. Brayden Kameg about the rising trend of plant-based supplements/medicines such as kratom and Delta-8.
These products are being sold in gas stations, vape shops, and convenience stores but lack regulation and approval for consumption. Advocates claim they can alleviate anxiety, reduce pain, and induce a pleasant sensation, but evidence suggests they can be addictive and can cause psychotic or violent episodes in some users.
“We’re seeing teenagers and adolescents seeking these out, and they’re largely able to do so pretty easily,” Kameg told KDKA-TV. “I’ll ask patients what they’re using, as it relates to these over-the-counter products, and they don’t even know.”
You can watch Dr. Kameg’s interview and the full story here.