Board discusses kratom temporary order and local enforcement after smoke-shop search

Tammy informed the board that the Massachusetts governor and the state Department of Public Health commissioner issued a temporary order effective Aug. 28, 2026, to Aug. 28, 2027, designating natural and synthetic forms of kratom as Schedule I under state law. She said the department sent notices to local tobacco shops and other retailers about the order.

Tammy said a warrant was executed involving a local smoke shop and the owner's vehicle; staff reported the search produced marijuana, kratom and flavored tobacco products. Tammy said the town has revoked the shop's tobacco and liquor licenses and that town attorneys are evaluating additional steps, including cease-and-desist letters related to kratom and potential revocation of other town-held licenses such as business or food-service licenses.

"At a minimum, I'll be doing, like, cease and desist for the kratom and cease and desist for, the flavored tobacco products," Tammy said, and staff emphasized legal review will guide next steps. Board members thanked staff for coordinating with attorneys and the state.