Kratom
Notice of New Kratom Regulation
The Lowell Board of Health held a public hearing on December 4, 2024, and adopted a new regulation named "Regulation of the Lowell Board of Health Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale and Distribution of Kratom".
Kratom refers to the leaves or an herbal extract from the leaves or other parts of an evergreen tree in the Rubiaceae family native to Southeast Asia called Mitragyna Speciosa, that contains as its primary compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which produces stimulant-like effects in low dosages and opioid-like effects in high dosages, and it may be marketed in different forms, including but not limited to smokeable products, tea, capsules, and as an additive to soft drinks or other products.
The new regulation, which prohibits the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of Kratom or products containing Kratom as an additive, will go into effect on January 2, 2025. Copies of the new regulation are also available at the Lowell Health Department, 107 Merrimack Street, 4th Floor, in Lowell.