When substances are legal but dangerous

Certain dietary supplements with an ingredient that mimics opioids are a bubbling problem for public health officials. Sometimes called “gas station heroin,” they’re sold at run-of-the-mill smoke shops and convenience stores. We’ll get into why health officials are concerned and how under-regulation can muddy our understanding of how safe a substance actually is. Then, a much needed-happy puppy story. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• • “Utah Jazz player Kelly Olynyk and wife found dog then found her owner” from The Washington Post

• • “Supreme Court to review restrictions on homeless encampments” from The Washington Post

• • “More Teens Who Use Marijuana Are Suffering From Psychosis” from The Wall Street Journal

• • “‘Gas-Station Heroin’ Sold as Dietary Supplement Alarms Health Officials” from The New York Times

• • “Why the earliest version of Mickey Mouse is entering the public domain” from Marketplace

• • “Why do we still use paper checks?” from Marketplace

• • “ABBA’s Voyage concert series is making London “Money, Money, Money'” from Marketplace

• • “Are we entering a world of surge dining?” from Marketplace

• • “The thirst for Stanley tumblers has reached a tipping point” from The Washington Post

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.