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Local coalition urges action on kratom and emerging ‘‘nootropics’’; Board signals support for county discussion
Summary
The Mason County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and local educators described kratom and a range of unregulated supplements (Zaza, HHC, kava, flavored nitrous) that they say are marketed to youth; the Board of Health agreed to support a countywide discussion of regulatory options.
Ben Johnson, coordinator for the Mason County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, introduced a presentation and asked the Board of Health to consider policy responses to new, largely unregulated substances he said are increasingly available to youth.
Johnson said kratom is widely sold in convenience stores and marketed as a mood or energy supplement, often without age limits; some products contain synthetic alkaloids that act on opioid receptors. He described evidence of dependence, consumer confusion over dosing and product contents, and at least two Washington deaths linked to kratom. He said the Kratom Consumer Protection Act has been proposed federally and that about two dozen states have taken regulatory steps; Washington state had not regulated kratom as of the briefing.
John Holbrook, a local safety-and-security manager who has presented to school and police audiences, told the board he has seen kratom and a range of other products — HHC (hemp-derived cannabinoids), kava, nitrous-oxide “whippets,” concentrated THC drinks, HHC syrups, and illicit vapes — marketed in flavors and packaging that appeal to adolescents. Holbrook said dealers use Telegram and social apps to advertise and coordinate drop-offs and that ready-made products (gummies, drinks, powders) can have very high doses.
Board members and attendees discussed policy options. One commissioner proposed asking gas stations to voluntarily impose a 21-and-over purchasing age for kratom and similar supplements; others encouraged broader action. The board voted to support a countywide discussion and recommended that the Mason County Commission and city council consider regulatory options and enforcement pathways.
Johnson invited board members and commissioners to the coalition’s seventh annual substance-abuse-prevention summit on May 2 (Skokomish Community Center) and said tribal leaders and, tentatively, the governor were expected to attend. Coalition staff said the event is free and open to community partners.
The presenters urged education for parents and school staff, noted enforcement and retailer-resistance challenges, and urged state-level action to raise purchase age or restrict sales to protect youth.
