Massachusetts Kratom law changed in a major way in August 2026, which is why many people are asking, “is Kratom legal in Massachusetts?” Governor Maura Healey and the (DPH) issued an emergency order placing Kratom into Schedule I under state law, the category reserved for the most restricted substances.
For Massachusetts residents, this order changes what retailers can legally sell starting August 28, 2026. This guide covers the emergency order, what Schedule I classification actually means, local rules across the Commonwealth, and where to check for official updates as the situation develops.
Table Of Contents
- Massachusetts Kratom Law: Current Legal Status Overview
- Is Kratom Legal in Massachusetts in 2026?
- Understanding The 2026 Massachusetts Kratom Emergency Order
- What Does Schedule I Classification Mean Under Massachusetts Law?
- How Long Will the Massachusetts Kratom Order Last?
- Are There Local Kratom Restrictions In Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts Kratom Law Timeline: Key Legal Developments
- How Is The Emergency Order Different From Proposed Legislation?
- Where To Find Official Massachusetts Kratom Law Updates
- FAQs
Massachusetts Kratom Law: Current Legal Status Overview
Here's a quick review of where things stand under the current order.
| Category | Current Status |
| Legal for retail sale | Statewide restrictions will take place (Starting August 28, 2026) |
| Classification | Schedule I controlled substance |
| Emergency Order Issued By | Governor Maura Healey and the (DPH) |
| Legal basis | MGL c. 94C, § 2A (emergency scheduling authority) |
| Order issued | August 13, 2026 |
| Period of the Emergency Order | Up to 1 year. The temporary emergency classification lasts for 12 months while state officials review long-term legislative options. |
| Enforcement | Local boards and municipal officials |
Is Kratom Legal in Massachusetts in 2026?
Kratom will become restricted under Massachusetts controlled-substance rules beginning August 28, 2026.
Massachusetts Department (DPH) Commissioner Robbie Goldstein issued an emergency order on August 13, 2026, temporarily classifying all forms of Kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance under Massachusetts General Law c. 94C. The order will begin on August 28, 2026, following a required 14-day notice period.
🎯 Impact: Prohibits all distribution, sale, and possession across Massachusetts unless authorized.
Understanding The 2026 Massachusetts Kratom Emergency Order
The order comes from the DPH Commissioner, using authority granted under MGL c. 94C, § 2A to temporarily schedule a substance without waiting for a full legislative process. It places every form of Kratom into Schedule I and hands local boards the authority to pull products from retail shelves.
What Forms of Kratom Are Covered?
The Massachusetts emergency order applies broadly to Kratom products derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa. The classification covers different forms of Kratom rather than limiting the action to a single format. This includes plant material and preparations containing Kratom-derived compounds such as mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine.
The covered forms include:
| 🌿 Raw Kratom leaf materials, including powders and crushed leaves 💊 Kratom capsules and tablets 🧪 Liquid Kratom extracts, tinctures, and concentrated formats 🥤 Kratom-infused beverages, teas, and other prepared items |
What Does Schedule I Classification Mean Under Massachusetts Law?
Schedule I is the strictest category in the Massachusetts controlled-substance framework under MGL c. 94C. It's a separate legal question from the emergency-order timeline covered above.
- What it means: Schedule I is reserved for substances the state defines as having the highest level of restriction and no state-recognized accepted purpose.
- How it affects Kratom's status: Once classified into Schedule I, Kratom is treated under Massachusetts law the same way other Schedule I substances are treated, which is why the state can direct retailers to stop selling it statewide.
Why Is It Different From A Local Rule?
- A municipal ordinance only restricts sale within one city or town.
- A Schedule I classification is a statewide legal designation that applies everywhere in Massachusetts, regardless of what any individual municipality decides.
How Long Will the Massachusetts Kratom Order Last?
The order can remain for up to one year from August 28, 2026. Because it was issued as an emergency order rather than permanent legislation, it does not automatically become a lasting law.
Is the Massachusetts Kratom Ban Permanent?
Not yet. The current order is a temporary emergency measure. Two separate legislative proposals were introduced in the state legislature covering Kratom:
- Senate Bill 1558, which proposes a full statewide ban similar to Connecticut's approach.
- House Bill 5127, which proposes a regulatory framework instead, including a minimum purchase age of 21 and required lab testing.
Neither bill has been enacted as of this order. Whether Massachusetts ends up with a permanent ban, a regulatory system, or a renewed emergency order depends on which path lawmakers take before the current order expires.
Are There Local Kratom Restrictions In Massachusetts?
Yes, and several existed before the statewide order. Local municipal authorities in a number of Massachusetts communities had already restricted or prohibited Kratom sales independently, including:
- Lowell
- Northampton
- Yarmouth
- Amherst
- Greenfield
- Deerfield
- Belchertown
- Hanover
Cities With Sales Limitations
Before implementing broader restrictions, some Massachusetts communities chose to limit where and how Kratom could be sold within their jurisdictions:
- North Attleborough: Established local rules limiting Kratom sales to licensed Adult Tobacco Retailers, preventing general convenience stores and gas stations from offering Kratom for sale.
- Springfield: Introduced targeted restrictions addressing Kratom items packaged in ways that resembled common products, including candy, cookies, or gum.
Massachusetts Kratom Law Timeline: Key Legal Developments
Massachusetts Kratom regulations have changed over time, moving from a period without statewide restrictions to increased local and state-level regulatory action in 2026.
➜ 2010s – 2025: No Statewide Restrictions
Kratom remained available in Massachusetts without statewide rules related to retail availability, labeling, or age requirements.
➜ Early 2026: Local Restrictions Begin
Several Massachusetts cities and towns introduced local restrictions related to Kratom sales, creating different rules across municipalities.
➜ Spring 2026: Kratom Legislation Introduced
Massachusetts lawmakers introduced (House Bill 5576), which proposed additional regulations related to Kratom. The bill did not move forward through the legislative process.
➜ August 13, 2026: Emergency Order Issued
The Massachusetts Department (DPH) issued an emergency order placing Kratom under Schedule I controlled-substance classification.
➜ August 28, 2026: Emergency Order Begins
The emergency order begins, changing the legal status of Kratom under Massachusetts controlled-substance rules.
How Is The Emergency Order Different From Proposed Legislation?
The August 2026 emergency order and proposed Massachusetts Kratom legislation took different approaches to regulating Kratom. The main differences include:
| Feature | Proposed State Legislation (S.3198 / H.5576) | August 2026 Emergency Order |
| Core Approach | Regulation: Keep Kratom legal while creating specific rules and requirements. | Schedule I classification: Places Kratom under Massachusetts controlled-substance rules and changes its retail availability status. |
| Age Limits | Restricts sales to adults aged 21 and older. | Applies regardless of age under the Schedule I classification. |
| Testing Standards | Requires third-party laboratory testing for contaminants, heavy metals, and synthetic additives. | Does not establish a separate testing framework; Kratom is classified under the emergency order. |
| Product Standards | Creates labeling requirements and limits certain Kratom compounds, including 7-Hydroxymitragynine. | Classifies Kratom under Schedule I rather than creating separate labeling or product requirements. |
| Implementation | Requires legislative review, committee consideration, and approval through the Massachusetts lawmaking process. | Applies emergency scheduling authority and begins after the required notice period. |
Where To Find Official Massachusetts Kratom Law Updates
Massachusetts Kratom laws and regulations can change through state actions, legislative decisions, and regulatory updates. Therefore it is important to stay updated with them:
⭐ Key sources include:
- Mass.gov Kratom information page — the DPH's central resource on the order
- Official news release from the Healey Administration
- 105 CMR 726.000 regulation text
- Massachusetts General Laws c. 94C
- Your local city or town board website, for any additional municipal rules
⚠️ Note: You can also refer to the Oasis Kratom legality page for updated information on Massachusetts Kratom laws, regulations, and related legal developments.
FAQs
Can I Still Buy Kratom In Massachusetts?
For now, yes. The emergency regulation was announced on August 13, 2026, but begins on August 28, 2026. Massachusetts residents should review that date when checking the state's current legal framework.
Will Gas Stations Still Sell Kratom In Massachusetts After The Ban?
No. The August 2026 emergency regulation is not limited to a specific retail category. Once the order begins, gas stations, convenience stores, and other retailers are all subject to the same statewide restrictions.
Is It Legal To Buy Kratom Online And Ship It To Massachusetts?
The answer depends on the shipment date. Massachusetts' emergency regulation begins on August 28, 2026. After that date, online transactions involving shipment into Massachusetts would be subject to the state's updated legal framework.
💡 Read next — Is Kratom Legal In My State? (2026 Update)
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Massachusetts Kratom laws and regulations may change over time. Always refer to official Massachusetts government resources or consult a qualified legal professional for the most current information regarding state and local requirements.
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