County of Monterey News Briefing 03.04.26

Monterey County · March 4, 2026

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Kratom awareness presentation and Q&A

PresentationPublic Comment

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Dr. Casey Grover (addiction medicine doctor, Montage Health) described kratom (mitragyna speciosa), rising product potency—notably 7‑hydroxymitragynine extracts—and health risks including dependence, withdrawal and overdose; he described a secret‑shop visit to a Monterey smoke shop where products lacked opioid‑risk warnings. Armando Gonzalez (supervisor, consumer protection team, Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau) said county inspectors document sales and request voluntary removal but lack independent authority to prohibit sales absent violations of existing food, tobacco or consumer

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Monterey County held a news briefing on March 4 covering kratom awareness and health risks, a new Twinning Project soccer-based life-skills program in the juvenile hall with the San Jose Earthquakes, and a paid Social Media CADRE internship for young adults; county staff said regulatory authority on kratom sales is limited and a local resource page is in development.

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Transcript

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