Is Kratom Legal in Massachusetts? (2026 Laws & Status)

No — kratom is currently banned in Massachusetts. On August 13, 2026, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued an emergency order temporarily placing kratom in Schedule I of the state's controlled substances list. The order took effect on August 28, 2026 and can remain in force for up to one year.

Last verified: October 7, 2026.

Massachusetts Kratom Laws (Quick Answer)

• ⛔ Banned statewide under a temporary emergency order (effective August 28, 2026)
• ⚖️ Temporarily classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, including kratom leaf, mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and related compounds
• 🚫 Illegal to sell, distribute, or possess while the order is in force

Can You Buy Kratom in Massachusetts?

No. While the emergency order is in effect, kratom cannot legally be sold, distributed, or possessed in Massachusetts, and it cannot be legally shipped into the state. Local boards of health are responsible for enforcement.

History of Kratom Legality in Massachusetts

Massachusetts had no kratom-specific law before 2026. Bills to ban kratom and bills to regulate it were filed in the 2025–2026 legislative session, but none was enacted. The Department of Public Health's emergency Schedule I order took effect on August 28, 2026. A lawsuit filed by retailers in Suffolk Superior Court challenging the order is pending; as of this page's last review, no court had blocked the order.

What Happens Next?

The emergency order is temporary. Its future depends on the pending lawsuit, any permanent rule the Department of Public Health adopts, and legislation still before the Massachusetts Legislature. This page will be updated as the law changes.

What is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have been traditionally used in the region for cultural and historical practices.

Its legal status varies depending on state and local laws. For background, read The Origin of Kratom on the NuWave blog, or see our state-by-state legality guide.

Sources & Legal References

• GBH News — Emergency order issued on kratom products in Massachusetts (August 13, 2026)
• WBUR — Retailers sue to halt Massachusetts kratom ban (August 27, 2026)
• Global Kratom Coalition — Kratom Regulation Map
• American Kratom Association — Kratom in Your State

Laws can change quickly. Always confirm the current law for your location.

FDA Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product.