Marlborough City Councilor Pushes To Ban Kratom: Report

MARLBOROUGH, MA — A Marlborough city councilor is pushing to ban an herbal extract.

During the Marlborough Board of Health's meeting, local officials discussed kratom, according to the Community Advocate. Ward 1 City Councilor Mark Vital is leading the charge to ban the substance, which can be addictive, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Kratom is often sold at smoke shops and gas stations. The Mayo Clinic classifies it as an "energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever and remedy for the symptoms of quitting opioids, called withdrawal."

However, Kratom carries its own risk of addiction. "People who use kratom may begin craving it," the Mayo Clinic stated. "They may need treatments given for opioid addiction."

Related: Cannabis Dispensary Opens In Marlborough

As of now, only five municipalities in the state have taken action against the substance, according to the Community Advocate. Belchertown, Lowell, Chelmsford, and Dracut have banned the substance, while North Attleborough has placed restrictions on its sale.

Vital said that he has seen firsthand the impact of kratom on youth, according to the Community Advocate. There will be a public hearing on September 11 about the possibility of a kratom ban.

“This is an opportunity to save a life,” Vital said, according to the newspaper. “If it's not available, maybe a kid won't try it because their life is hard or dark, or they're in pain.”

You can read the full story from The Community Advocate here.

See Also:

• Marlborough Bank Announces New CEO And President
• Marlborough Honors Beloved First Responder As Labor Day Parade Grand Marshal