Wellesley in process of drafting regulations for kratom sales
Wellesley’s Health Department has begun drafting local regulations and policies to address the sale of kratom, an herbal substance that can have opioid- and stimulant-like effects.
Director of Community and Public Health Lenny Izzo says the draft will be presented soon to Wellesley’s elected Board of Health for consideration.
“I’ve been working with some of our regional partners on having some similarity between the regulations,” Izzo says.
Natick is among neighboring municipalities working on kratom regulations.
“There is a big learning curve on kratom with the differences between natural vs synthetic, the various forms and formulations kratom is sold and marketed as, and the regulatory and enforcement actions in place and being considered by municipalities,” Izzo says.
The town is conducting research this summer on such “gas station drugs,” which may be available for purchase by teens, including in energy drinks.
The Health Department plans to add information on this topic to its website in coming months as well as share information with the schools and wider community.
More: Wellesley substance use and prevention support information