If it can be purchased from a gas station, or local store, can it really be that bad?
That’s the question a lot of young people and their parents have about kratom, a plant-based substance that can be found in powders, tablets, capsules, gummies and dissolvable strips, to name a few. But Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has issued an emergency order to restrict the sale starting in 14 days and lasting for up to a year.
The concern over kratom isn’t the all-natural version derived from a tree substance, but the synthetic version of kratom called 7-OH or 7-hydroxymitragynine. The lab-made substance is marketed towards easing anxiety and pain can turn deadly because it can have opioid-like effects.
Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, says it’s a good thing that the governor is stepping in, because he is treating young people for addiction to the substance, which most bought over the counter.
“I think some young people might look at it and think, 'Oh, well, this is safe because it’s natural. It comes from a plant. It’s legal. So what harm could this could this have?’” he said. “I think that’s why the governor’s regulation is really important. Young people and families need to be aware of the potential harms and addictive potential of this.”
Dr. Hadland says as recently as yesterday he created a treatment plan for an adolescent patient to get help from their addiction to kratom.
It’s a hard habit to break, he says, because it’s so easily accessible.
“It’s a really difficult addiction to treat and the folks that I’ve treated for it struggle a lot and often have multiple relapses,” said Dr. Hadland.
In her statement, Healey said that this synthetic substance is unregulated and dangerous, and people should know what they are getting into.
“Customers should be able to trust that the products being sold in stores are safe. We’re taking action to protect young people and residents, give communities the tools to get dangerous products off store shelves and make sure anyone struggling with dependence can get the treatment and support they need,” said Healey.
Kratom can even cause someone to overdose, requiring Naloxone or Narcan to treat it. Dr. Hadland says overdoses are not very common, but are possible.
Between 2020 and 2025, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner recorded 91 deaths in which kratom or its primary active compound, mitragynine, was identified as either a cause or contributing factor.
According to the governor’s order, in the next 14 days all forms of kratom will be considered “schedule I” under Massachusetts law and will stay that way for a year. The governor’s team says this will give cities and towns time to enforce the ban in local shops.
The Department of Public Health has released new guidance for cities and towns to help understand the new restrictions, as well as information for the public to be able to learn about the potential dangers of the substance.
A spokesperson for the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association said in a statement, “We are actively reviewing the governor’s order.”
Treatment is available for people experiencing kratom withdrawal or dependence, including medications, counseling, peer support and behavioral health services. Individuals seeking help for themselves or a loved one can call or text “HOPE” to 800-327-5050 to reach the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
