Brockton committee backs ban and 60-day moratorium on kratom and synthetic cannabinoids

The Brockton City Ordinance Committee voted June 1 to recommend an amended ordinance to the full council that would prohibit the manufacture, sale and distribution of kratom and a wider set of synthetically derived cannabinoids and novel intoxicating products.

Councilor Thompson, who opened the discussion, said the ordinance was broadened so the law would cover synthetic derivatives and other unregulated intoxicants that local authorities cannot reliably distinguish in packaging. "We changed the name of the ordinance to include synthetically derived cannabinoids and unregulated novel intoxicating products," Thompson said, explaining the change was aimed at simplifying enforcement for inspectional services and police.

The committee adopted enforcement provisions that conform to state law: a $1,000 fine for a first violation and a $1,000 fine plus suspension of permits issued by the Board of Health for a second violation within a 36-month period. The amended draft also explicitly exempts licensed recreational and medicinal marijuana from its scope.

Health officials and social-service staff urged the committee to act. Wiza McCulla, Commissioner of Health and Human Services, said she "agree[s] wholeheartedly with these changes," noting local limits on testing and citing FDA warnings about recalled kratom-like products. Jasmine Bradshshire, director of social services, told the committee kratom products "often are used to treat opioid withdrawal" but are unregulated and can cause side effects she listed, including "liver toxicity," dependence and seizures, which complicates emergency medical care.

The police department signaled support as well; Lieutenant Schlean, speaking for the chief, said the department "support[s] the ban of the product in the sale of the city of Brockton."

Committee members debated how quickly enforcement should begin and how to notify retailers. City staff advised following a model used for prior product bans, recommending a 60-day notice period to retailers. Councilor Niccastro moved to amend the ordinance to state it "shall take effect 60 days from the final passage of this ordinance;" the motion was seconded and the committee adopted the amendment.

After voting to adopt the clerk's draft amendments and the 60-day effective-date amendment, the committee voted to send the ordinance favorably to the full city council.

Next steps: the ordinance, as amended, will go to the full Brockton City Council for consideration; if approved, the ban would become enforceable 60 days after final passage, as amended.