Gov. Maura Healey announced Thursday a ban on kratom products, a substance that is largely unregulated at the federal level, in an effort to protect residents, particularly young people.
According to a press release from the governor’s office, state Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Robbie Goldstein issued an emergency order that temporarily designated “all forms of kratom into Schedule I under Massachusetts law,” which places it in the same categorization as synthetic opioids.
The order takes effect after a 14-day notice period and will be in effect for up to one year to allow local municipal officials to “take enforcement action against retailers selling kratom products.”
Bans on kratom have already begun on the Vineyard. The health boards of Edgartown and Tisbury both approved bans on the substance earlier this summer.
“In public health, we need to be nimble, responding to new and emerging threats with evidence-based actions,” Goldstein said in the release. “Kratom is increasingly being used by youth and adults, and many are unaware of the risks, including overdose, dependence, and serious health consequences. Our goal is to protect the public while getting those who need treatment or support the care they deserve.”
The release describes kratom as a “leafy plant native to Southeast Asia containing naturally occurring substances, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).”
State officials also stressed that kratom products with “highly concentrated or laboratory-modified compounds” can have “significantly stronger opioid-like effects.” They also warned about the risk of overdosing on kratom products, especially if used with other products or stronger variants.
According to the release, “kratom use has been associated with a range of health effects, including seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms,” and rare instances of death. Naloxone can be administered to someone who has slowed or stopped breathing after having used kratom products. Naloxone is medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose and, as the release states, is “available without a prescription at pharmacies and many retail locations across Massachusetts.”
Healey said in the release that “customers should be able to trust the products being sold in stores are safe,” as kratom is widely available in convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops in various forms, including gummies and powders.
For people experiencing kratom withdrawal or dependence, treatment options are available. They can seek help for themselves or a loved one by either calling or texting “HOPE” to 800-327-5050 to reach the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline, which is available at all hours.
The DPH also launched educational tools at mass.gov/kratom to “help residents understand the risks, recognize the signs of an overdose, learn how to respond to an overdose and access treatment and recovery services.”
