kratom

Written by: Jermaine Galloway

As we head into a new school year, there is one question I believe schools, parents, and community professionals should be asking:

Could schools begin seeing more kratom this year?

Unfortunately, I believe the answer may be yes.

That does not necessarily mean more young people are suddenly seeking out kratom. Instead, several factors may be coming together that could make kratom more visible, more affordable, and more accessible to young people.

Here are some of the trends I believe professionals should be watching.

1. Price Could Become a Bigger Factor

As states take different approaches to regulating kratom and products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), manufacturers and retailers may adjust their products, pricing, and marketing strategies.

By Jermaine Galloway March 2026

One of the most valuable things I do at Tall Cop is conduct community scans across the country. These scans allow me to see what is showing up on store shelves, what clerks are selling, and what products are gaining traction before they become widespread.

Written by:

Jermaine Galloway

December 2025

Kava is a plant-based herbal substance, also known as kava root or Piper Methysticum, native to the Pacific Islands. It has been used for centuries for medicinal, social, recreational, and ceremonial purposes. Only the root, not the leaf is used. It can be ground into a loose powder or pounded to extract a milky liquid that is mixed into beverages.

Published in the Police Chief Magazine - November 2025 Issue

Written by: Jermaine "The Tall Cop" Galloway 

Across the nation, law enforcement officers are encountering a troubling pattern: drivers who show unmistakable signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, slowed reaction time, poor coordination, yet test negative for alcohol, cannabis, and controlled substances. Increasingly, the culprits behind these puzzling cases are not illegal narcotics, but legal or unregulated substances sold at gas stations and smoke shops.

Written by:

Jermaine Galloway

August 2025

The product known as Feel Free is trending, but it is not new. Actually, many of you have seen it! Take a look at what I have seen in your states…

There have been some recent news stories and questions about this product and its contents. Let me provide some insight into what I have seen over the years. 

I first found this product 6-8 years ago while in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at a shop just off the beach. I am not certain how long it has actually been out there, but I know even then it wasn't a new product. Since then, I have seen it in most states across the US, from smoke shops to gas stations, even liquor stores. 

Written by: Officer Jermaine Galloway

May 2025

A top-trending drug/opioid that most people haven’t heard of… yet it’s a top seller in many communities.

7-Hydroxymitragynine is a drug that has made its way into convenience stores, smoke shops, and street-level drug markets.

So, what is 7-Hydroxymitragynine—also known as 7-OH or simply 7-Hydroxy?

It’s an alkaloid that naturally occurs in the kratom plant and is extracted through a semi-synthetic process. 7-Hydroxy is significantly more potent than kratom.

At the street level, kratom has evolved into stronger, underregulated substances that are being sold over the counter. Due to its low public awareness and inconsistent or unconfirmed testing standards, this substance can be difficult to detect.

KRATOM: Helpful or Harmful?