Kratom, an herbal supplement derived from a Southeast Asian tree, is at the center of a growing debate as cities and states across the U.S. move to ban its sale. Recently, Belchertown, Massachusetts, joined a wave of communities restricting kratom, citing concerns over its unregulated status and potential risks to minors. The ban, finalized in early 2024, followed similar actions in Lowell, Dracut, and Chelmsford, with several states enacting statewide prohibitions.
Despite these crackdowns, advocates highlight kratom’s positives. The American Kratom Association describes it as providing an “energy boost like a cup of coffee” and, at higher doses, helping with anxiety. For some, like Lori Romney—who suffers from severe facial pain—kratom has been transformative, allowing her to stop daily opioid prescriptions and find relief where other treatments failed.
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