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Is Kratom Legal in Massachusetts?
Abdullah Mamun
Published on July 21, 2025
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TL;DR: Kratom is still legal in Massachusetts, but for how long remains unclear. While you can currently purchase and use kratom across the state, new legislation could soon change that. Meanwhile, a handful of towns have already taken the matter into their own hands and passed local bans.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult with local authorities or legal professionals before making decisions about kratom use.


The rise in kratom’s popularity has been followed (to no surprise) by scrutiny. Like in other states, lawmakers in Massachusetts are actively weighing kratom’s future.

While kratom is currently legal statewide, a closer look reveals growing momentum for both statewide bans and tighter local restrictions.

If you're a kratom consumer or simply curious about its legal standing in the state, this guide breaks it all down for you — from current laws to proposed legislation and how local cities are reacting.

Quick Facts

  1. Kratom is legal across Massachusetts — for now.
  2. Two bills (S.1558 and H.1680) could ban kratom or classify it as a controlled substance.
  3. Local bans are already in place in Dracut and Chelmsford.
  4. Massachusetts has no statewide regulatory framework or age restrictions.
  5. Staying informed and buying responsibly is essential for consumers.

To fully understand what's happening in Massachusetts, it helps to zoom out.

Kratom is not federally regulated in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considered placing kratom’s key alkaloids — mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — under Schedule I back in 2016 but withdrew the proposal after significant public and legislative pushback.

Since then, the legal landscape has evolved state by state and even city by city:

  • Banned in six states: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin
  • Regulated in several others: Oregon, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona have adopted Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPA) to enforce age limits, labeling, and testing
  • Unregulated but legal in most states, including Massachusetts
  • Municipal bans exist even where state laws allow kratom, for example, San Diego (CA) and Sarasota County (FL)

This fragmented system means consumers have to stay informed about local laws wherever they go. A legal purchase in one jurisdiction might be illegal just a few miles away.

Yes, but that answer comes with an asterisk.

As of today, you can legally purchase, possess, and use kratom in Massachusetts. There’s no statewide legislation that prohibits its use, and it remains available in cities like Boston, Worcester, and Springfield without legal barriers.

However, the state legislature is actively reviewing proposals that could put an end to that freedom. What this means is simple: kratom’s legal status in Massachusetts is balanced on a knife’s edge.

Is Kratom Regulated in Massachusetts?

Unlike states that have adopted the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), Massachusetts has yet to create any regulatory framework for kratom.

That means:

  • No legal age requirement for purchase
  • No mandated lab testing for purity or contaminants
  • No ingredient transparency rules
  • No licensing or oversight for vendors

This “legal but unregulated” status gives consumers access — but also exposes them to potential risks, especially when buying from vendors with unknown sourcing or manufacturing practices.

What’s on the Table: Two Bills That Could Change Everything

Massachusetts lawmakers are moving as we speak, with two bills currently on the table:

Senate Bill S.1558 – The Push for a Statewide Ban

This bill would prohibit the sale of all kratom products across the Commonwealth. If passed, retailers would have to pull kratom from shelves immediately, and online vendors would face restrictions shipping into the state.

The bill is under review by the Joint Committee on Public Health and could move forward later this year. It reflects rising concern among certain policymakers about kratom’s safety profile — even in the absence of federal restrictions.

House Bill H.1680 – Classifying Kratom as a Controlled Substance

This bill goes a step further than S.1558. It proposes that kratom be added to the state’s Schedule A of controlled substances, grouping it with substances like heroin, MDMA, and LSD. A public hearing on the matter took place on May 6, 2025.

If enacted, possession or sale of kratom could result in criminal charges, placing everyday consumers at legal risk. Even small amounts could become grounds for prosecution.

Not Everyone Is Waiting — Local Bans Already in Effect

While the state debates kratom’s future, some municipalities have already taken action:

  • Dracut: This small town in Middlesex County passed a ban on manufacturing and selling kratom effective April 1, 2025.
  • Chelmsford: Just weeks earlier, in March, the town voted in favor of a similar ban, citing public health concerns.

These local restrictions show a pattern: even without a statewide decision, towns can (and do) create their own rules. And more could follow.

What Could Happen Next?

Massachusetts is at a decisive point. The state could follow Oregon and Utah with responsible regulation through a consumer protection framework — or it could join the ranks of prohibitionist states like Indiana or Rhode Island.

Kratom advocates are pushing for thoughtful regulation, not restriction. But the future will be shaped by lawmakers, public perception, and consumer voices. Engaging with local representatives, staying up to date, and supporting transparent vendors all play a role in what happens next.

Tips for Responsible Kratom Use in Massachusetts

If you're choosing to use kratom, especially in a state with shifting laws like Massachusetts, consider the following:

  • Buy only from reputable, transparent vendors who provide third-party lab results
  • Check for clear ingredient and alkaloid content labels
  • Avoid kratom products marketed with unrealistic claims
  • Don’t share kratom with minors or others without context
  • Follow updates on legislation through local news or advocacy groups

Massachusetts vs. Neighboring States: A Mixed Bag of Laws

If you're planning to travel with kratom or order across state lines, knowing the laws nearby is essential.

StateLegal Status
Rhode IslandBanned statewide
New HampshireLegal for 18+, banned in Franklin
ConnecticutLegal and unregulated
New YorkLegal statewide

Wrapping Up

For now, kratom is accessible in Massachusetts, but that could change with the stroke of a pen. With two major bills under review and some towns already banning the plant, the direction of kratom policy in the Bay State is anything but settled.

Whether you’re a longtime kratom user or simply exploring natural alternatives, staying informed is your best defense. Don’t assume that what’s legal today will still be tomorrow — and don’t wait until new laws pass to start thinking responsibly about your choices.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. Kratom laws are subject to change. Always consult local regulations and legal professionals before purchasing, possessing, or using kratom.

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