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Health Department seeks to adjust tobacco regulations, limit sale of kratom/synthetic THC

The Board of Health listens to speakers give testimony during a hearing on proposed nicotine-free regulation last year. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD

The Board of Health will hold a public hearing this July to discuss proposed regulations banning the sale of kratom/synthetic cannabinoids in Hopkinton.

The hearing, set for July 23 at the Hopkinton Senior Center, will give residents the opportunity to provide input on the proposed regulations. If the board opts to adopt the proposed changes, the regulations will ban the sale of kratom and synthetic THC as well as update existing tobacco sales regulations.

“The modification in the tobacco regulation would basically state that if a product hasn’t been approved for retail sale by the [US Food and Drug Administration], then it can’t be sold in the town of Hopkinton,” explained Health Director Shaun McAuliffe. He noted that the FDA has not approved many of the kratom/synthetic THC products on the market, and officials at the federal, local and state levels do not want these products on the shelves until those approvals are made.

Kratom is an extract from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia consumers use as self-treatment for pain, anxiety, depression, opioid withdrawal and other conditions. While the dose is low when the plant traditionally is used — chewing the leaf — products with extracted kratom have significantly higher doses of the chemical compounds.

According to the FDA, adverse effects of kratom use include liver toxicity, seizures and substance abuse disorder. Synthetic THC also carries severe health risks.

McAuliffe said that much of the kratom products sold in Hopkinton right now are energy drinks, and there are no restrictions on how much an individual can buy. He added that the regulation proposed aligns with how the community has responded to previous actions and votes on marijuana and tobacco regulation. “We just don’t believe it’s a product that should be available at a convenience store,” he said.

As to whether there will be pushback on the regulation, McAuliffe anticipated some was possible, but overall, response to the proposed changes has been positive thus far. He said he believed the measures will receive a similar amount of support as the Nicotine-Free Generation regulations that were approved last year.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Given issues with meeting its supermajority requirements for a vote, the Planning Board on Monday encouraged a Clinton Street applicant to withdraw their application and reapply after Town Election.

The Water-Sewer Department will be working on the water system on Hayden Rowe Street starting today and continuing through Friday.

The latest Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on girls lacrosse junior Avery Quebec, who recently recorded her 100th career goal and was selected to play at the US Lacrosse National Tournament.

Joanne Moss, 71, died May 8. She was a former resident of Hopkinton.

Patricia Phaneuf, a resident of Golden Pond Assisted Living in Hopkinton, died April 8, 11 days short of her 93rd birthday.

Town meetings tonight include the Board of Appeals (7).

Photo of the Day

Crews respond to a report of a fire Monday at the EL Harvey waste management building on Wood Street.

PHOTO/HOPKINTON FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 3772