Massachusetts will begin restricting the sale of kratom, an addictive and largely unregulated substance, Gov. Maura Healey announced Thursday
The move is part of a new effort by the Healey administration to curb the sale of the substance, which is among a group of products often called “gas station drugs” for their additive qualities and prevalence at gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops
Kratom is a plant-derived substance that can come in tablets or powders, dissolvable strips and gummies. The potency of these products can vary, but in high doses, kratom can produce opioid-like effects. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, regular users can become dependent or experience withdrawal. Kratom is not regulated by the FDA, but the agency has warned there are health risks associated with use of the substance
“Dangerous kratom products are being sold in stores across Massachusetts with little oversight, and people — including children — often have no way of knowing what they’re buying or how potent it is,” said Healey in a press release announcing the move
Under this effort by the Healey administration, Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein has issued an emergency order which bans the sale of kratom in all forms across the state. The order will take effect after a 14-day notice period, and will last up to a year. The Healey administration said this temporary ban will allow municipalities to create their own rules around kratom sales
Along with the ban, the public health department will give local health boards, healthcare providers and substance abuse providers information on health risks associated with kratom, and treatment options, Healey’s office said. Some of those health risks include seizures, liver toxicity, and in rare cases death, according to the FDA
Some Boston city councilors proposed a local ban on sales of kratom in March. Brookline health officials drafted a similar move in June. Other municipalities, like Lowell, Hanover and Rockland, have already banned local kratom sales
Eight states ban the substance, including neighboring Vermont and Connecticut, while other states have age-based regulations and pending legislation on the issue
Estimates of how widely people use kratom vary. But a study published this spring from researchers at Mass General Brigham found a significant increase between 2017 and 2024 in hospital visits where kratom was noted in medical records
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