City officials discuss new restrictions on Kratom sales

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - A Health and Human Services meeting was held on Wednesday to discuss an ordinance to potentially ban the sale of certain kratom products in the city. Springfield officials are considering treating kratom like tobacco and nicotine products. If passed, the ordinance would require strict safety standards, age verification, and honest labeling to protect consumers.

Under the proposed ordinance, Springfield businesses would no longer be allowed to make, sell, or distribute:

• Synthesized kratom (lab-made versions)
• Kratom extracts or concentrated versions
• Contaminated kratom
• Kratom that’s too strong or adulterated
• Kratom meant to be smoked or injected
• Kratom labeled/sold as food or beverages
• Kratom with added flavors or aromas
• Kratom with non-childproof packaging
• Kratom that looks like candy or appeals to kids under 21

The ordinance would require all stores selling kratom to test all products through a third-party lab, only sell to people 21 and over, and keep it behind the counter, not on open shelves.

It will as well include labeling everything clearly with ingredients, active compound levels, serving size and safe daily limits, manufacturer info, health warnings, and more. Local doctors spoke up during the meeting, they say while cases are uncommon in our area, the cases they have treated have been serious, “Kratom and the duratives of it are opioids when used in higher doses. Not many people are showing up needing help, but when they have showed up needed help, they can be in rough shape. They become dependent on it, if they stop, they become very sick and go through withdrawal,” said Dr. Ari Kriegsman

No votes or final policy decision were made during Wednesday’s meeting, and the ordinance remains under discussion.