Massachusetts Governor Healey Bans All Kratom Sales Statewide Under Emergency Health Order

Why it matters

Massachusetts joins North Dakota as the second state to ban all kratom products — not just synthetic 7-OH concentrates — through emergency executive action. The ban affects every form of kratom sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and online, and takes effect after a 14-day notice period. It gives local health boards expanded enforcement authority.

The big picture

Several Massachusetts municipalities had already moved to ban kratom locally, including Lowell, Hanover, and Rockland, and Boston city councilors had proposed a citywide ban in March 2026. The state-level action closes the patchwork gaps. A Mass General Brigham study published earlier this year found a significant increase in hospital visits with kratom noted in medical records between 2017 and 2024 — providing the public health justification Healey cited for the emergency measure.

Key findings

• State DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein issued the emergency order classifying all forms of kratom as Schedule I under Massachusetts law
• The ban applies to all kratom products in all forms — leaf, powder, capsules, extracts, and gummies
• It takes effect after a 14-day notice period and lasts up to one year
• Local health boards gain expanded authority to take action against retailers continuing to sell the products
• Mass General Brigham researchers documented a significant increase in kratom-related hospital visits from 2017 to 2024 in a study published earlier in 2026

What they say

"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," Governor Healey said in a press release announcing the action.

Bottom line

Massachusetts has become the second state to impose a full emergency kratom ban — every product, every form — citing mislabeling, rising hospital visits, and inadequate federal regulation.