Massachusetts Issues Emergency Order Restricting Sale Of Kratom

The Mayo Clinic has called the herbal supplement unsafe and ineffective.

By Joseph Hosey, Patch Staff

Aug 14, 2026 10:12 AM EDT

BOSTON, MA — The state of Massachusetts has issued an emergency order restricting the sale of kratom products.

"Dangerous kratom products are being sold in stores across Massachusetts with little oversight, and people – including children – often have no way of knowing what they're buying or how potent it is," Gov. Maura Healey said in a median release.

"Customers should be able to trust that the products being sold in stores are safe," Healey said. "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."

Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein issued an emergency order temporarily restricting the sale of kratom as a controlled substance.

"The order will take effect following a 14-day notice period and remain in effect for up to one year," the release said. "It will give local boards of health and other municipal officials additional authority to take enforcement action against retailers selling kratom products."

Kratom, an herbal extract from a Southeast Asian tropical tree, is sold as an energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever and remedy for the symptoms of quitting opioids, according to the Mayo Clinic, which described the substance as unsafe and ineffective.

"Products prepared from kratom leaves are available in the U.S. online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Kratom is often used to self-treat conditions such as pain, coughing, diarrhea, anxiety and depression, opioid use disorder, and opioid withdrawal ... " according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The release from the governor's office linked kratom to "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," the release said. "While uncommon, kratom-related deaths have been reported, particularly when kratom is used with other substances or by people with underlying health conditions."