Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Kratom Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Norwood Board of Health bans kratom and synthetically derived cannabinoids, approves fines and permit suspensions
Summary
The Town of Norwood Board of Health voted June 22 to ban the manufacture, sale and distribution of kratom and synthetically derived cannabinoids, adopting a graduated fine schedule and permit-suspension penalties and directing staff to notify and inspect likely sellers immediately.
The Town of Norwood Board of Health voted June 22 to adopt regulations banning the manufacture, sale and distribution of kratom and synthetically derived cannabinoids, and approved a graduated penalty schedule that officials said is intended to remove these products from local shelves quickly.
Under the adopted rules the first violation carries a $500 fine; a second violation carries a $1,000 fine and a suspension of any Board of Health permit for seven consecutive business days; a third violation carries a $1,500 fine and a 30-day suspension; and a fourth violation may result in revocation of all Board of Health permits held by the establishment. A board member who supported immediate enforcement said, "I'm all for making it effective immediately because kids are out, it's summer." The motion to adopt the regulations and make them effective immediately was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Staff clarified the suspension language applies to any permit the business holds — for example a tobacco or food-service permit — even though there is no separate permit specifically for selling kratom. Officials said that means a food or tobacco permit could be suspended if the business sells kratom in violation of the ban.
Assistant Director Abby and environmental health staff were assigned to notify likely sellers, including gas stations, convenience stores and shops holding tobacco permits. The board discussed sending letters with return receipt or hand delivery to document notification; staff also said they would follow up with inspections and notify the state Department of Public Health (DEP) as appropriate. "We will go to the most usual places, and it is usually places that have tobacco," staff said.
Board members discussed regional comparisons and concluded Norwood’s fines place the town "in the middle of the pack," citing nearby schedules that range from $100–$300 in some towns to $1,000 across the board in others. The board said the regulation can be amended later if the state adopts broader rules.
The board thanked staff member Stacy for preparing the regulations. The department said it will begin an education phase before aggressive enforcement, but that inspectors will follow up promptly after notification. The board did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the action was announced as approved by voice vote.
The board directed staff to start notification and inspections immediately and to return with implementation updates as needed.
