Board schedules Kratom ban regulation hearing for July 14
Salem Board of Health schedules public hearing on proposed Kratom ban regulation for July 14. The board heard from Joyce Redford, Director of the North Shore/Cape Ann Tobacco Policy Program, about the health and enforcement concerns with Kratom products, noting that while synthetic and natural
Board of Health · Meeting of June 9, 2026
Salem Board of Health schedules public hearing on proposed Kratom ban regulation for July 14. The board heard from Joyce Redford, Director of the North Shore/Cape Ann Tobacco Policy Program, about the health and enforcement concerns with Kratom products, noting that while synthetic and natural varieties differ, they cannot be reliably distinguished. Board member Jeremy Schiller, MD stated the ban addresses unknown health risks from an unregulated substance, with board member Sean Lunde emphasizing the risk of uninspected products lacking FDA approval.
The current synthetic marijuana regulation will be rescinded and replaced with a new regulation addressing Kratom and other novel intoxicating products, with Saugus having already adopted similar regulations and Beverly and Peabody considering them.
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Source: the Board of Health meeting of June 9, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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