Kingston – Today, Representative LaNatra applauded Governor Healey and Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD for taking strong, decisive action to protect young people and Massachusetts residents from kratom and kratom products. Today’s order reclassified kratom and kratom products as Schedule I drugs, which the DEA defines as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
Throughout the 194th legislative session, Representative LaNatra has worked tirelessly to educate her colleagues in the Legislature as well town officials and residents throughout the 12th Plymouth district about the dangers and harms associated with kratom usage.
“After hearing a personal story from a constituent and a friend about her child’s usage of kratom products and his subsequent recovery, I made it a top priority of mine to help educate my colleagues and constituents about this drug and do something to keep the residents of Massachusetts safe,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Kratom’s newness and easy accessibility mean that many people do not understand that this is a drug with potentially fatal side effects that is dangerously unregulated. I have been proud of the work I have done to help bring attention to this issue, leading four out of six towns that I represent to issue town-wide bans prior to today’s order. Thank you to Governor Healey and DPH Commissioner Goldstein for their decisive leadership on this issue and their commitment to the health and safety of the residents they serve.”
Kratom, often described as ‘gas station heroine’, 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.
Representative LaNatra has been active on this issue for the past two years, hosting briefings for her colleagues in the State House, where legislators heard from parents, pediatricians, and public health advocates who shared their personal stories and expertise
Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, has issued an emergency order temporarily placing all forms of kratom into Schedule I under Massachusetts law. The order will take effect following a 14-day notice period and remain in effect for up to one year. It will give local boards of health and other municipal officials additional authority to take enforcement action against retailers selling kratom products.
As part of the statewide effort, DPH is also providing information and guidance to local boards of health, health care providers and substance use treatment programs about the new restrictions, the health risks associated with kratom and available treatment and recovery services. DPH will also hold an informational webinar for local public health officials to support implementation of the order.
Kratom is a leafy plant native to Southeast Asia containing naturally occurring substances, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Depending on the amount and potency, kratom can produce stimulant-like or opioid-like effects. Some newer products contain highly concentrated or laboratory-modified compounds that can have significantly stronger opioid-like effects.
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. While uncommon, kratom-related deaths have been reported, particularly when kratom is used with other substances or by people with underlying health conditions.
If someone who has used kratom has slowed or stopped breathing, naloxone should be administered immediately. Naloxone is available without a prescription at pharmacies and many retail locations across Massachusetts. 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.
Representative LaNatra is serving her fourth term as State Representative of the 12th Plymouth District, which consists of Precincts 1, and 2A, of the town of Halifax, the town of Kingston, Precincts 1, and 5A, of the town of Middleborough, Precinct 3, of the town of Pembroke, Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5, and 13, all of the town of Plymouth, and the town of Plympton, all in the county of Plymouth.