08/27/2026
Public Service Announcement:
Governor Maura Healey has passed an emergency order restricting the sale of kratom across the state due to lack of regulations and health risks. The Governor is also implementing new efforts to educate the public about the health risks and connect people with treatment and recovery services.
What is kratom and what are the effects?
Kratom is widely sold in smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas stations in the powders, tablets, capsules, gummies, dissolvable strips, and other forms. Kratom products have, to-date, been largely unregulated and products can vary significantly in their potency and ingredients, making it difficult for consumers to know what they are purchasing or the potential health risks. Regular kratom use can also lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal. Kratom use has been associated with a range of health effects, including seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Kratom also carries a risk of overdose, particularly when highly potent products are used, products contain unknown substances, or it is combined with opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives.
For more information on kratom and this emergency order, visit https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-takes-action-to-protect-young-people-and-residents-from-dangerous-kratom-products
