Massachusetts Status – No Real Criminal Ban
Massachusetts has not enacted a full criminal prohibition on kratom. While some age‑restriction and labeling proposals have been discussed, the state remains a market where kratom – an unregulated opioid – is sold openly in gas stations, vape shops, and online. The industry is actively lobbying for a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which would impose unenforceable 2% caps on 7‑OH, require warning labels, and create the illusion of safety while leaving the drug on shelves. Other states that passed KCPAs have seen no reduction in poisonings, hospitalizations, or deaths.
A KCPA is not a ban – it is a trap. Massachusetts must reject industry half‑measures and instead pass a full Schedule I criminal prohibition that removes kratom from the market entirely.
What Massachusetts Needs – A Full Criminal Ban
- Schedule I classification for all kratom alkaloids – no “natural leaf” exceptions.
- Felony penalties for distribution and sale – second‑degree crime for large quantities, similar to New Jersey’s CJ’s Law.
- Mandatory recall of existing inventory and funding for enforcement against online sellers.
- Dedicated treatment funding using opioid settlement dollars to address addiction.
- Public education campaigns to warn about contamination (lead, ethanol) and addiction risk.
Ask every organization below to publicly support a full Schedule I ban and to oppose any KCPA that would keep kratom on shelves.
Contact These Organizations – Demand Support for a Full Ban
These are key Massachusetts groups whose public support could change the debate. Email or call them. Use the suggested message below each category.
Law Enforcement & Public Safety
Why they matter: Police and prosecutors will enforce a criminal ban. Their endorsement tells legislators that prohibition is workable and necessary.
Ask them: “Will you support a full Schedule I criminal ban on kratom, and oppose any KCPA that would leave it on gas station shelves?”
Health & Substance Use
Why they matter: They have the data on hospitalizations, poisonings, and treatment needs. Their support would demonstrate the public health necessity of a ban.
Ask them: “Will you publicly support a full criminal ban on kratom and provide testimony or data showing the harm caused by kratom in Massachusetts?”
Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Servicesmass.gov/bsas
Pharmacy
Why they matter: Pharmacists understand drug safety and contamination. Their opposition to KCPA bills and support for a real ban is powerful.
Ask them: “Will you issue a statement supporting a full criminal ban on kratom and opposing any KCPA that would leave it on shelves?”
Massachusetts Society of Health‑System Pharmacistsmashp.org
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciencesmcphs.edu
Medical & Hospital Associations
Why they matter: Physicians, pediatricians, and addiction specialists see the real harms. Their endorsement signals that this is a health issue, not a criminal justice issue alone.
Ask them: “Will you urge the legislature to pass a full criminal ban on kratom and publicly oppose any industry‑backed KCPA compromise?”
Massachusetts Chapter — American Academy of Pediatricsmcaap.org
Addiction & Recovery Providers
Why they matter: They can speak to the failure of “regulated access” and the need for a full ban to reduce addiction.
Ask them: “Will you support a full criminal ban on kratom and provide testimony about the burden of kratom addiction on your programs?”
Email Template – Ask Organizations to Support a Full Ban
Subject: Support a full criminal ban on kratom – reject KCPA half‑measures
"Dear [Organization Name],
I am a Massachusetts resident concerned about the dangers of kratom – an unregulated opioid sold in gas stations and vape shops. Independent labs have found lead and high levels of alcohol in popular kratom products. The FDA has repeatedly warned that kratom has no approved medical use.
The industry is pushing a weak “Kratom Consumer Protection Act” (KCPA) that would leave kratom on shelves with unenforceable 2% caps and warning labels. Other states that passed KCPAs have seen no reduction in poisonings or deaths. Only a full Schedule I criminal prohibition works.
I urge your organization to:
• Issue a public statement supporting a full criminal ban on kratom
• Contact your members in the legislature to oppose any KCPA
• Share data on kratom‑related harms in Massachusetts
Please help us pass a real ban and protect Massachusetts families. Thank you."
Email Your State Legislator – Demand a Real Criminal Ban
Subject: No KCPA – Pass a full criminal ban on kratom
"Dear Representative/Senator,
I am a constituent in [YOUR DISTRICT]. I urge you to reject any Kratom Consumer Protection Act. KCPA bills do not ban kratom – they create a regulatory illusion that leaves an unregulated opioid on gas station shelves. The 2% cap on 7‑OH is unenforceable – there is no field test. Law enforcement cannot verify compliance. Such bills also preempt local bans.
Independent labs have found lead and ethanol (up to 16%) in popular kratom products. The FDA has warned that kratom has no approved medical use.
Please instead support legislation that places all kratom alkaloids under Schedule I – a complete criminal prohibition. No caps, no labels, no exceptions. Only a full ban protects our communities.
Thank you."
Call Script for Stakeholder Outreach
When calling any of the above organizations:
"Hello, my name is [NAME] and I'm a concerned resident of Massachusetts. I'm calling to ask your organization to publicly support a full criminal ban on kratom, and to oppose any weak KCPA that would leave it on gas station shelves. Will your organization issue a statement or contact legislators to support a real ban? Thank you."