Tall Cop Says Stop

One of today’s most requested topics is the rise of Feel Free—a small blue bottle making a big impact. Marketed as a dietary supplement, it combines kava root and kratom, raising major concerns about addiction, legality, and youth access. In this episode, Tall Cop unpacks the data and explains why this mix is risky, and explores the role of social media in driving its popularity. With no age restrictions, addictive potential, and misleading marketing, this is a trend parents, educators, and communities can’t afford to ignore.****Don't forget to register for the 4th Annual Tall Cop Emerging Drug Trends Conference coming up in November! Check us out here: https://safeandsound.swoogo.com/the-tall-cop-emerging-drug-trends-conference/agendaRegister here: https://emergingdrugtrends.regfox.com/2025-national-emerging-drug-trends-conference-

In this episode, Tall Cop breaks down the Tall Cop Trifecta of Drugs—ease of access, low price point, and flavored products—and what that means for students today. From $1 edibles to $3 vapes and kratom under $5, the affordability and concealability of these substances are changing the game inside schools.We’ll cover:The most common substances showing up in schools: alcohol, cannabis, vapes, edibles, kratom, 7-hydroxy, and moreWhy fewer devices are being found—and how students are getting better at hiding themThe rise of pouches and why metal detectors miss themNew concerns with mushrooms, flavored pills, and over-the-counter cannabis productsPolicy shifts on the horizon for vaping and substance use in schoolsWhy prevention requires looking at the bigger picture—accessibility, affordability, and unintended consequences, especially with addictionPlus, hear Tall Cop’s take on Narcan in schools, flavored products, and even what a “summer breeze” really means.🎙️ Real talk, practical insights, and a look at what’s coming next.

In this episode, the Tall Cop breaks down the rise of 7-hydroxy (7-OH), a powerful and dangerous derivative of kratom that has quickly become a national drug trend. He shares how he first identified it in communities long before the FDA’s warning, explains why it’s more potent than kratom, and highlights the growing risks as it appears in smoke shops across the country.

Why are we selling flavored drugs? If your doctor offered you mango or strawberry-flavored opioids, you’d be outraged—so why do we allow candy-flavored vapes, mushrooms, and other substances to be marketed to kids? In this episode, Jermaine Galloway, the Tall Cop, takes a hard look at the growing trend of flavored drugs, their impact on youth addiction, and why banning one substance while leaving similar ones on the shelves does little to curb the problem. Are our drug bans actually effective, or just good headlines? Tune in for an unfiltered discussion on how street-level drug culture adapts—and what we can do about it.

The vape industry is pedal to the metal, racing to keep up with tech trends and capture young users’ attention. In this episode, Tall Cop breaks down the latest innovations, from video game vapes with 20,000 puffs to smartwatch-style vapes that take selfies and check the weather. With boost modes, customizable flavors, and a growing presence in rural and metro areas, the industry is accelerating its grip on addiction. Tune in as we uncover how these high-tech devices are pushing boundaries and targeting the next generation.

Not all “natural” substances are as safe as they seem. In this episode, we take a look at the latest “all-natural” trends hitting the market like ashwagandha and kava—legal, unregulated, and easily accessible. From smoke shop shelves to Amazon.com, these herbal potentiators are popping up more and more, but are they really as harmless as they sound? Spoiler alert: Just because it’s herbal doesn’t mean it is safe. Tune in for a deep dive into the gray areas of legal highs.

Vapes aren’t the only thing flying under the radar. Nicotine salts and pouches are quickly becoming the discreet, addictive alternatives your kids might be using without detection. In this episode, we break down what these products are, how they’re marketed to appear less harmful, and why they’re gaining traction with teens and athletes alike. Plus, we’ll uncover how the drug world is adapting this method of consumption. Stay informed with tips on what to look for and how easily these products are accessed.

Dive into the shadowy rise of Phenibut, a legal yet unregulated substance with a seemingly innocent advertisement of a “Dietary Supplement” having "anti-anxiety effects and cognition-enhancing properties". Originating in Russia, this inexpensive depressant has infiltrated communities across the U.S., appearing in every state and thriving within drug culture.  Also known by names like B-phenyl-y-amino butyric acid and beta-phenyl-GABA, Phenibut enhances the effects of alcohol, opioids, and other depressants, making it a dangerous trend that demands our attention.  Join us as we unpack its history, examine its growing prevalence, and hear insights from the Tall Cop on why Phenibut must be on our radar. Whether you’re a concerned parent, first responder, or community leader, this episode is your wake-up call to a hidden crisis.

Listen as Tall Cop Jermaine Galloway interviews Stephanie Short, a recovery coach, peer support specialist, and community impact coordinator with United Way who overcame a 25-year battle with addiction to become a beacon of hope for others. Driven by the belief that “If they’re still breathing, there is still hope,” Stephanie shares her inspiring story of resilience and self-transformation. From the depths of addiction and isolation in prison, she had to become her own support system, learning to thrive with no one to guide her. Stephanie dives deep into her journey, discussing the power of self-reliance, the value of community, and her desire to "become what I needed" to help others with her lived experiences. This podcast is for anyone seeking inspiration, hope, and the unwavering belief that recovery is possible.

The leaves and temperature aren’t the only things changing as we head into autumn. Join Jermaine Galloway the Tall Cop as he discusses the shifting trends throughout the nation regarding the drug world. Galloway will cover popular substances such as THCA, Tianeptine, Deltas, Nicotine Salts, and vape pens that are shifting within the drug world and he will reveal how they are truly “hidden in plain sight” if you know what you are looking at. This episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of how these building trends relate to other drugs and enhance experiences for users within the cannabis world and beyond. Additionally, Galloway discusses how vape pens are advancing within the technology world to resemble the same capabilities of smartphones and video games.

Tall Cop discusses trending drugs like xylazine, carfentanyl, stimulants, and others with Dr. Levi Bolin and Dr. Steven Passik from Millennium Health. How data can be used to predict drug trends and epidemics before they become out of control to inform and educate the public, prevent and intervene. Is there hope and what is coming? Click on the link below to read the annual Millennium Health Signals Report that identifies national, regional, and state drug use trends. Signals Report

Clerks are now opening up packages of vapes for you to sample them. Smoke shops have such a surplus of vapes that they are sold at such low, enticing prices. How can addiction go down when vape production is up? Listen to my Vaping 101 and Vaping 202 episodes to find out more.

The National Government has been discussing decriminalizing weed on the federal level. What does this mean for our big cities, our kids, and law enforcement? How do dispensaries target our children? By legalizing marijuana, are we "freeing up" law enforcement officers' time? Make sure to register for our National Emerging Drug Trends Conference https://www.emergingdrugtrends.com/ Listen as Jermaine discusses the potential changes of marijuana.

What is Kratom? Why do we know the name, but not the product? Officer Galloway shares how Kratom is popping up everywhere: gas stations, stadiums, billboards, and shopping malls. Kratom is typically used as a depressant for its opioid-like side effects. Jermaine explains how no drug is safe for everyone. Listen as the Tall Cop dives into the details of kratom.

Meet Rigo Delagadillo a former police officer at Boise PD. Rigo fell into an opioid addiction after an accident while on active duty in the military. Addiction can happen to anyone you don’t have to be a "bum on the street" to fall into addiction.He explains how he fell into his addiction, dealt with the consequences and overcame it. Listen as Jermaine and Rigo discuss the realities of addiction.

When is the right time to educate your kids on drug safety? What is the new gateway drug? In the past, gateway drugs have typically been cannabis or alcohol. But now, a newer, cheaper, more accessible drug has hit the streets causing the age of first time users to decrease annually. The Tall Cop explains how/ why kids are starting drugs younger and younger each year along with how drug companies are ensuring customers by increasing their addiction levels. Find out more on this week's podcast.

Why do people still abuse cough syrup? Two reasons: it’s cheap and accessible. Legal does NOT mean safe! The Tall Cop explains how cough syrup users typically use 25 times the normal amount! Like many over the counters, cough syrup is inconspicuous and often not tested for by law enforcement and the workplace. Cough syrup, at the street level, is often referred to as: Scizzurp, Lean, Act, Purple Drink, and many more. Listen to find out more on this week’s episode!

Shopping malls are not something that we think of when we think of drug stores. So why are drug stores popping up in malls? Malls are inconspicuous when it comes to drugs thus they attract parolees and teenagers. When questioned on my they were at the mall, the teens and parolees can simply say “I was needing new clothes.” The Tall Cop explains how to identify the wrong stores and the best time to find products at shopping malls. Find out more on this week’s episode!

Vaping has become the most effective way to openly use drugs. Society as a whole has normalized, or become numb to, vaping. Are we able to identify what’s actually inside a vape? When it comes to vapes there are zero absolutes. You can tell a lot about what someone is vaping just by their demeanor! The Tall Cop elaborates on different vapes, 510 threads, and how people are making their own concealments for vapes. Never heard of 510 batteries? Listen to this week’s episode to discover more

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)also known as “Laughing Gas”, is a colorless gas used to relax the body and mind. Our dentist typically use N2O in a 80:20 ratio: 80% Nitrous Oxide and 20% Oxygen. When Whippets are used at home, 100% of Nitrous Oxide is used. Whippets typically only last 10-15 minutes. Therefore when one Whippet is found, oftentimes there will be several more found near by. Whippets are usually found with a device called a “cracker.” Find out more by listening to this week’s episode!