Feel Free Drinks, D8, and Zyns: What to Know About Trending Gas Station Drugs

Written By: Jasmin Vanmali, Mason Krecmer, & Maddie Diaz , Peer Educators
Edited By: Faith Dolan
March 13, 2026

Introduction

In recent years, “gas station drugs” such as Feel Free kratom & kava drinks, synthetic cannabis compounds such as Delta-8 THC, and nicotine pouches like Zyns have been gaining popularity among young adults. These products are easy to find, often displayed at the checkout counter of gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops. These items often come in brightly designed packaging and are marketed with terms like “natural” or “plant-based,” which may make them appear holistic and low-risk. Their easy availability can make them appealing, especially to people seeking focus, relaxation, or stress relief. 

In addition, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have amplified curiosity by showcasing these products as trendy or “safer” alternatives. The combination of accessibility, affordability, and social media hype can make them look enticing to students who may be unaware of the underlying dangers of these substances. Understanding what these products contain, their effects on the body, and the risks that accompany them is essential to responsibly choosing whether to use them. Additionally, many students encounter these substances casually or socially and succumb to peer pressure without realizing the significant health risks they may pose. Ultimately, awareness and education are the first steps toward positive change, and it begins with understanding the choices we make every day. By staying informed about the positive and negative effects of these substances, we can help keep ourselves, our peers, and our campus safe. 

What Are Gas Station Drugs and Why Are They Trending?

Gas station drugs are psychoactive, or mood‑altering, products sold in convenience stores, often with misleading marketing and minimal regulation. The types of products commonly referred to as gas station drugs can vary widely, but many share similar characteristics: they are easy to purchase, frequently marketed as “natural,” and often fall outside regulatory oversight. For instance, recent FDA communications highlight growing concerns regarding Feel Free kratom tonics, noting reports of withdrawal symptoms, dependency, and safety issues connected to their use. Some regions have even considered or implemented restrictions due to increasing reports of misuse (FDA, 2025). In a convenience store setting, the legal status does not necessarily guarantee consistent potency, predictable effects, or comprehensive safety evaluation (Sussex Publishers, n.d.).

The popularity of gas station drugs among young adults may be influenced by several factors, including social media exposure, curiosity, or the perception that these substances are milder than other psychoactive products. At the same time, a lack of uniform regulation means that ingredients, strength, and user experience may differ considerably between brands or batches. Understanding these contextual factors can help students better evaluate what they may encounter in retail settings.  First, let’s talk about the Feel Free drink, marketed as a natural mood enhancer.

Feel Free, Kava, and Kratom

Feel Free drinks are a form of nonalcoholic plant-based tonic that can be found at many gas station counters. Feel Free drinks are marketed as a functional mood-enhancing supplement that can be used as an alternative to alcohol. The primary active ingredients are kratom and kava.

Feel Free drinks are reported to cause increased focus and a euphoric, mood-boosting effect. Kratom is a supplement made from the leaves of the kratom tree. The kratom in Feel Free drinks acts as an opioid receptor agonist, which provides its euphoric effects. Kava is a root supplement that enhances GABA receptor activity, leading to its sedative, calming effects. Kratom and kava are both legal across the United States.

Potential risks of Feel Free drinks include addiction, liver damage, nausea, and dependency. Addiction and dependency are the most common side effects due to kratom’s excitation of opioid receptors. In addition to potential health risks, the parent company, Botanic Tonics, has been at the receiving end of multiple lawsuits related to their products, mainly due to the addictive properties of their tonics (Luciano et al., 2025). Product reviews on their website seem to be botted or altered in some way, with even one-star reviews saying things like “great product” or “pretty awesome feeling, would recommend.” Their website also claims that all their drinks are lab tested. However, clicking the link to view these tests and their results takes you to their FAQ page, with no further mention of product testing.

Delta-8 and synthetic cannabis products are another drug that has become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional marijuana products, and can also be found in many gas stations or smoke shops.

Delta-8 

Delta-8 is a psychoactive cannabinoid normally found in cannabis at low levels, marketed as a less psychoactive alternative to traditional THC products. This makes it a more popular choice among recreational users or those looking for a less intoxicating effect that still want the reported pain-relieving and anxiolytic effects of marijuana. Like other cannabis compounds, the mechanism of action for Delta-8 involves acting as a partial agonist of CB1 and CB2 receptors, which modulate neurotransmitter release throughout the central nervous system (Abdel-Kader et al., 2024).

Due to a lack of regulations surrounding cannabis, many companies have begun creating synthetic forms of marijuana and marijuana products with abnormally high levels of Delta-8 and other cannabis derivatives to get around loopholes in laws surrounding CBD & THC (Delta-9) content Because of this lack of regulation, not only can the contents of the products themselves not be guaranteed, but the active levels of these compounds are typically much higher than otherwise seen in regulated products (Mo Med, 2022). [FD4] 

As Delta-8 is a relatively new product, research determining the safety and efficacy of alternative cannabis compounds is sparse. As research continues to develop around Delta‑8, it is also important to consider other popular convenience‑store products. Another fast-growing gas station drug is nicotine pouches.

How Nicotine use has Shifted from the Obvious to the Discreet

Zyns, Velos, and Snus are nicotine pouch brands that have become popular amongst nicotine users due to their convenience, lack of odor, and smokeless, discreet style of use. Nicknamed “lip pillows,” these pouches are typically found behind counters at convenience stores and smoke shops around the country. Nicotine pouches work by slowly releasing between three and six milligrams of nicotine through the gums. The lack of smoke inhaled leads many users to believe the products are “safer” than other methods, such as vaping or cigarette smoking. Some other attractive qualities that might draw young adults to use these products include their wide variety of flavors, their promotion as a stimulant/cognitive enhancer, and influencer culture promoting their use.

Contrary to marketing campaigns and public opinion suggesting nicotine pouches are less detrimental to one’s overall health than smoking, there are serious physical consequences that result from their use. Research from Johns Hopkins University suggests cardiovascular issues, gum deterioration, and nausea as some of the greatest immediate concerns regarding the use of these products (Rodenburg, 2024). Additionally, the American Lung Association lists the inclusion of dangerous carcinogens such as ammonia and formaldehyde as typical ingredients found in these pouches (American Lung Association, 2024.).

When it comes to the marketing and promotion of nicotine pouches, companies, distributors, and even influencers have not shied away from presenting them as fun, harmless, and even potentially beneficial alternatives to smoking. The American Lung Association (2024) states that the marketing teams behind the makers of these products have claimed that they are “intended for individuals aged 21+ to help them quit using traditional nicotine products.” “Zynfluencers” and other celebrities have also helped these products reach the mainstream, with creators like Joe Rogan and Theo Von and pro athletes like Josh Allen promoting their use.

Considering the health risks associated with the use of nicotine pouches, as well as the identifiable inconsistencies between their marketing teams and provided research, it is imperative that young adults understand all the implications of using these products. While fun flavors and opportunities to reduce smoking may seem enticing, there are still consequences that must be considered.

Conclusion

Overall, over-the-counter or “gas station” drugs are quickly making their way into the hands of young adults everywhere. From “feel-free drinks” to Zyns, there are a handful of easily accessible substances with unknown effects that could potentially have adverse, lifelong consequences on one’s health. It is important to stay informed about these products and as educated as possible so we can make the best decisions for ourselves

 

Resources

Substance Use & Wellness Coaching
(806) 834 – 6330 | shamcent@ttu.edu | Drane Hall room 249

Student Health Services
(806)-743-2848 | studenthealthservices@ttuhsc.edu | 1003 Flint (Corner of Flint and Main) 

Center for Students in Addiction Recovery 
(806) 742 – 2891|laura.nobles@ttu.edu| 1309 Akron

Student Counseling Center
806.742.3674 | studentcounselingcenter@ttu.edu | Student Wellness Center 201

Student Mental Health Community
806.834.6717 |heather.frazier@ttu.edu | Weeks Hall 2nd floor

References:

Ahmad, A. (2025, August). FDA alerts on ‘feel free’ kratom tonics: Addiction risks and legal bans rise. FDA Alerts on ‘Feel Free’ Kratom Tonics: Addiction Risks and Legal Bans Rise. https://thedailyguardian.com/world/us/fda-alerts-on-feel-free-kratom-tonics-addiction-risks-and-legal-bans-rise-640275/

American Lung Association. (2024). Zyn 101: What to know about big tobacco’s latest addiction. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/blog/zyn-nicotine-addiction

Botanic Tonics. (n.d.). Feel Free Classic Tonic. https://botanictonics.com/products/feel-free-classic-tonic?srsltid=AfmBOoqpBhDeToS7dZgejj6HZSGSLf0zkg2S8YPRuBCGdDdcyx0-TJzR

Canna Specialists. (2024). Δ8 THC and Δ9 THC: What’s the difference? https://www.cannaspecialists.org/delta_8_thc_and_delta_9_thc_what_s_the_difference

CBS News. (2023, September 12). Kratom supplement raises concerns about addiction, safety. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kratom-supplement-addiction-concerns/

CBS News. (2025, August 8). Popular supplement kratom faces scrutiny over addiction concerns: "It's ruining people's lives". https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kratom-supplement-addiction-concerns

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). What is Δ8? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-delta-8

Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21665-cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome

Larsen, C., Shah, R., Bhattacharya, P., & Brents, L. K. (2023). Δ8‑Tetrahydrocannabinol: Evaluation of the pharmacology and metabolism of a newly popular cannabinoid. Journal of Cannabis Research, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10976172/

NORML. (2026). NORML’s guide to Δ8 and other novel cannabinoids. https://norml.org/marijuana/fact-sheets/normls-guide-to-delta-8-and-other-novel-cannabinoids/

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022). 5 things to know about Δ8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8 THC). https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-Δ-8tetrahydrocannabinol-Δ-8-thc

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2025). FDA and Kratom. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom

Sussex Publishers. (2025, June 25). The concerning emergence of “gas station heroin.” Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addiction-outlook/202506/the-concerning-emergence-of-gas-station-heroin

Rodenburg, M. (2024). Nicotine pouches are growing in popularity. are they safe? Retrieved from https://hub.jhu.edu/2024/03/08/zyn-nicotine-pouch-tory-spindle/

Smith, B. (2025). The facts about Zyn - the nicotine pouches all over social media. Retrieved from https://vfhy.org/news/the-facts-about-zyn-the-nicotine-pouches-taking-over-your-social-media-feed/

Warner, M. L., Kaufman, N. C., & Grundmann, O. (2016). The pharmacology and toxicology of kratom: From traditional herb to drug of abuse. International Journal of Legal Medicine, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4917254/

 

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