On August 13, 2026, the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health signed an Order pursuant to Massachusetts General Law (M.G.L.) c. 94C § 2A, designating kratom, as defined in the Order, as a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
Under M.G.L. Chapter 94c, s 34, it is unlawful to possess or sell a Schedule I Controlled Substance without a Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR). Accordingly, as of the effective date of the Order, the possession, distribution, or sale of kratom in Massachusetts is illegal, and any person in violation is subject to imprisonment or fine.
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 94C § 2A, municipalities are authorized to take enforcement action against licensed commercial establishments that continue to sell kratom. Enforcement actions include, but are not limited to, cease-and-desist notices, citations, and suspension of municipal licenses or permits, including permits to operate.
Beginning on the Order’s effective date, August 28, 2026, these enforcement actions may be undertaken by authorized municipal agents, including local board of health officials and inspectional services personnel. The Order may remain in effect for up to one calendar year from its effective date, through August 28, 2027.
Please review the Order, available at .
What are kratom and synthetic kratom products?
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia that contains over 40 psychoactive alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and trace amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
Synthetic kratom-related products have emerged as manufacturers have concentrated 7-OH and mitragynine derivatives, including mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15), and 9-fluoro-7-hydroxymitragynine (MGM-16). These synthetic products cause more intense opioid-like effects than natural kratom products, and can be highly variable in content, concentration, and potency.
Kratom products are found in many different forms such as whole-leaf, powder, concentrated extract, blended with other products, or as a drink. Kratom products can vary widely in composition and potency, and consumers may not be aware of exactly what they are taking.
Are there risks associated with kratom products?
Some unwanted effects of kratom use can include dry mouth, delusional thinking, psychosis, itching, constipation, seizures, excessive urination, and sweating.
Overdose can occur, particularly when using highly potent synthetic products, using kratom products mixed with unknown substances, and/or using other substances alongside kratom products, especially opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives. While the research on kratom-involved overdoses is also limited, it is appropriate to respond to any suspected overdose with naloxone.
Although rare, kratom-associated deaths have been reported; patients are especially at risk when combining kratom with other substances or if they have a chronic health condition.
Physical dependence, withdrawal, or kratom use disorder may develop. Many people take kratom products and do not realize that it could be harmful or that dependence can occur.
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