Shatterproof Applauds Massachusetts Kratom Ban, Calls for Federal Consumer Protections

Why it matters

Shatterproof's response adds national advocacy weight to Massachusetts' action and signals that major addiction-focused nonprofits are now treating kratom as a priority public health issue — pushing both state bans and federal safety standards.

The big picture

Shatterproof has been active in kratom policy in at least 10 states, and within the past year seven of those states have taken regulatory or scheduling actions. The organization's public support for the Massachusetts emergency order — while also calling for more nuanced federal evaluation — reflects the growing divide between advocates pushing for outright bans and those who want evidence-based regulation that preserves access for some users.

Key findings

• Shatterproof endorsed Massachusetts' emergency kratom ban on August 13, 2026 as an important step on consumer protection
• The nonprofit highlighted that products are sold without age restrictions and with inadequate transparency on potency and ingredients
• Shatterproof called for policies that improve labeling, limit youth access, and address concentrated and synthetic kratom products specifically
• The organization has also urged federal regulators to evaluate the safety profile and medical benefits of natural kratom separately from synthetic derivatives
• Shatterproof has advocated on kratom in 10 states: Delaware, Connecticut, Georgia, Ohio, Utah, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New York, and New Hampshire
• Naloxone is recommended for overdose response; kratom-dependent individuals can access treatment including medications, counseling, and peer support

What they say

"Massachusetts is taking an important step to address a rapidly evolving marketplace where increasingly potent kratom-related products are being marketed and sold with inadequate safeguards," said Leah Kaufman, Vice President of Public Policy at Shatterproof. "Policies that improve product transparency, limit youth access, and address highly concentrated and synthetic kratom products are critical."

Bottom line

A leading national addiction nonprofit publicly backed Massachusetts' kratom emergency ban while urging federal action on labeling and youth access — reflecting growing organized advocacy pressure on both state and federal lawmakers.