Doctor Berkowitz Demands Northampton Ban on Kratom Amid Addiction Concerns

In a recent meeting of the Northampton Board of Health, a heated discussion emerged surrounding the controversial herbal supplement, kratom. The meeting, held on July 10, 2025, featured public comments from local residents, including Dr. Shelley Berkowitz, a family physician with 30 years of experience in Northampton. Dr. Berkowitz passionately advocated for a ban on the sale of kratom, citing personal experiences with its dangers, particularly concerning her son, who faced severe health issues linked to the substance.

Dr. Berkowitz's testimony painted a stark picture of kratom's potential risks, highlighting over 1,100 overdose deaths associated with its use across 37 states. She described her son’s struggle with addiction, which began after he turned to kratom for relief from insomnia. His journey through detox and subsequent relapse underscored the urgency of her plea to the board: “Please ban kratom,” she implored, emphasizing the need to protect others from similar fates.

In contrast, Laura Romney, representing the International Plant and Herbal Alliance, defended kratom's benefits. She shared her personal story of using kratom to manage chronic pain from trigeminal neuralgia, asserting that it had allowed her to discontinue opioid use. Romney described kratom as a natural alternative for pain relief, particularly in light of the ongoing opioid crisis, and emphasized its role in harm reduction for those struggling with addiction.

The meeting showcased a clash of perspectives on kratom, with advocates highlighting its potential as a safer alternative to opioids, while opponents raised alarms about its safety and the need for regulation. As the board deliberates on the future of kratom in Northampton, the community remains divided, grappling with the balance between access to alternative treatments and the imperative to safeguard public health.

The discussions at this meeting reflect broader national conversations about the regulation of herbal supplements and the ongoing challenges posed by substance use and addiction. As Northampton navigates these complex issues, the outcomes of such meetings will undoubtedly shape the health landscape of the community for years to come.