The Natick Board of Health has had agenda items for its past few monthly meetings on regulations regarding kratom, an herbal substance that can have opioid- and stimulant-like effects.
We reached out to Natick Director of Public Health Michael Boudreau to learn more about kratom and what actions Natick may take related to it. The Health Department and Board of Health welcome public input on this topic (the elected board meets monthly).
How would you describe kratom?
Any unaltered form of the plant Mitragyna speciosa, including its leaves in whole, crushed, or powdered form, stems, or other plant parts that have not been chemically altered. Kratom contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), two major psychoactive ingredients. These ingredients can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence that can mirror opioid-like symptoms. There is also synthetic kratom, which has been altered from its natural plant form through chemical synthesis or the use of synthetic alkaloid analogs, or concentrates beyond what occurs naturally in the plant, particularly 7-OH, significantly increasing those adverse effects.
Why is Natick’s Board of Health and Health Department discussing regulations?
At this time, it is something that is not regulated by the FDA or the State of Massachusetts. Given the opioid-like qualities of kratom, which are enhanced and unregulated in synthetic kratom products, action to ban kratom was initiated. The DEA is considering classifying synthetic kratom as a Schedule 1 substance.
What would the regulations entail?
A prohibition on kratom and synthetic kratom with escalating fines and penalties for those selling it.
Has a decision been made on this?
Draft Regulations are written and available upon request. The Board intends to have a hearing on the draft regulations in September (next Board meeting Sept. 14, 2026 via Zoom). Residents (and the general public) are encouraged to review them, voice their concerns by contacting our office (by writing, email,or other means), or participate in the hearing process. The Board of Health will consider and deliberate on those concerns before approving, modifying, or enacting the regulation.
Where is kratom available in Natick?
It has been sold in some convenience stores and adult retail tobacco stores, both in natural and synthetic forms. Synthetic kratom has been added to several products, including small bottle drinks, gummies, candies, and vape product.
Do you know what other communities or the state are doing on this matter?
There are approximately 20 communities that have approved a complete prohibition, while others are prohibiting the sale of synthetic only. At this time, it is left to Massachusetts’ invidual communities to promulgate regulations.
Have any members of the public been attending the recent board meetings to comment pro or con on this topic?
We have discussed this with the Board and have had physicians present on this topic who have treated patients for overdosing. We also received contact from residents encouraging a ban on kratom products. We welcome all residents’ perspective through this process.
More: Learn about Natick 180, your community resource for addiction education, prevention, and recovery.
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