Full Breakdown
Massachusetts Issues Emergency Order to Restrict Kratom Sales
8/14/2026, 4:31:30 AM
Statewide Ban on Kratom Products
Governor Maura Healey will announce on Thursday, August 13, 2026 a statewide emergency order that temporarily classifies all kratom as a Schedule I substance under Massachusetts law. The order, issued by Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein, takes effect after a 14-day notice period and may remain in force for up to one year. It authorizes municipal boards of health to seize kratom products and halt retail sales while the state health department prepares guidance for local officials, providers, and treatment programs.
Background and Local Actions
Municipal bans have preceded the statewide move. Towns such as Lowell, Hanover, Rockland, Deerfield, Greenfield, Athol, Colrain, and Gill already prohibit kratom sales, often citing concerns for youth. On July 8, the Deerfield Board of Health voted to ban both natural and synthetic kratom after testimony highlighted uncertainty about product potency. Eight neighboring states—including Vermont and Connecticut—have enacted outright bans, while others rely on age-based restrictions or pending legislation.
Health Risks and Data
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that kratom can cause liver toxicity, seizures, substance-use disorder, and, in rare cases, death. The agency estimates 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021. A study by Mass General Brigham documented a rise in hospital visits noting kratom between 2017 and 2024. Governor Healey cited at least 100 deaths linked to kratom over the past six years in Massachusetts.
Official Statements & Responses
Dr. Cornel Stanciu, Director of Addiction Services at New Hampshire Hospital, warned that the plant’s active compounds can be “more potent than morphine” and described the market as “the wild west” of unregulated products.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Gov. Maura Healey
- “In public health, we need to be nimble, responding to new and emerging threats with evidence-based actions,” — Dr. Robbie Goldstein
- “Those are compounds that act on opioid receptors, and are even more potent than morphine,” — Dr. Cornel Stanciu
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the prevalence of kratom-related deaths. Healey’s office references “at least 100 deaths,” while other officials describe fatalities as “uncommon.” Some jurisdictions ban only synthetic kratom or products exceeding 2 % 7-hydroxymitragynine; Massachusetts’ order covers all kratom forms, leaving a gap in federal regulation of natural kratom.
What’s Next
The Massachusetts House Committee on Ways and Means is reviewing legislation that would ban synthetic kratom, require detailed labeling, and impose fines of up to $1,000 for violations, including sales to anyone under 21. The Department of Public Health will host an informational webinar for local health officials to aid implementation. Treatment resources—including the 24-hour Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline (text “HOPE” to 800-327-5050) and over-the-counter naloxone—remain available for individuals experiencing kratom dependence or overdose.
