"Gas station drugs" refer to quasi-legal recreational substances, such as synthetic marijuana from hemp, "mushrooms", drugs for erectile dysfunction or tianeptine called "gas station heroin", sold at gas stations alongside oils and snacks[1]. These products remain legal by exploiting legal loopholes, such as labeling them as "dietary supplements", "not for human consumption" or minor formula changes[1][2]. Tianeptine is an unapproved antidepressant acting as an opioid agonist, it is not recognized by the FDA as safe even as a food or supplement[2][5]. It is sold under various brand names in stores and online, but is banned or restricted in at least 9-11 US states, including Virginia in 2025[2][4]. Since 2016, the FDA and poison centers have reported an increase in serious health problems, including toxicity and withdrawal symptoms requiring intensive care[4][5]. Dr. Pieter Cohen of Harvard Medical School explains how these drugs escape regulation and what the FDA might do[1]. Proposed legislation closing the "hemp loop" could ban synthetic marijuana from hemp[1].