Board of Health Bans Kratom, Synthetic Cannabinoids, Intoxicants
Salem Board of Health unanimously bans kratom and synthetically derived substances.
Board of Health · Meeting of July 14, 2026
Salem Board of Health unanimously bans kratom and synthetically derived substances. Chair Sara Moore and the Board voted 4-0 to approve a comprehensive regulation prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and distribution of synthetically derived cannabinoids, kratom products, and unregulated novel intoxicating products, effective September 1, 2026, following a public hearing. The vote followed emotional testimony from resident Susan Eppard, whose son Matthew died at age 22 from kratom use in 2021.
Neighboring communities including Tisbury, Melrose, and Stoneham have adopted similar restrictions. The Board will notify convenience stores of the prohibition and alert businesses where products are found after September 1.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 490 words
Source: the Board of Health meeting of July 14, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Checked against the official minutes. It was corrected where it differed.
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