Massachusetts is moving to restrict kratom sales statewide after Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, issued an emergency order temporarily placing all forms of the substance into Schedule I under Massachusetts law.
The restriction will take effect following a 14-day notice period and remain in effect for up to one year, according to an Aug. 13 news release from Gov. Maura Healey. The order will provide local boards of health and other municipal officials with additional authority to take enforcement action against retailers selling kratom products.
The Department of Public Health is also issuing guidance to local boards of health, healthcare providers and substance use treatment programs on the restrictions, health risks and available treatment and recovery services.
Kratom use has been associated with seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Overdose is also a risk, particularly with highly potent products, products containing unknown substances or when kratom is combined with opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives.
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