The City of Northampton Board of Health voted on August 21, 2025 to approve the regulation Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products. This regulation is intended to safeguard public health and safety by restricting the availability of certain unregulated and potentially harmful substances in our community.

Both synthetic kratom and synthetic cannabinoids pose serious public health concerns, including the potential for addiction, adverse physical and mental health effects, and, in severe cases, death. Synthetic cannabinoids differ significantly from cannabis. They can be 10 to 100 times more potent, have unpredictable effects, and are currently unregulated, making their risk to consumers far greater. Similarly, synthetic kratom products may contain altered or concentrated alkaloids or be mixed with other substances, increasing the potential for harmful or fatal outcomes. 

Under the full regulation, the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of synthetically derived cannabinoids or kratom products within the city of Northampton will be prohibited. Violations of the regulation will result in fines and possible suspension of Board of Health permits after a hearing. The full approved regulation is available to view (City of Northampton Board of Health Regulation Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids and Synthetically Derived Kratom and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products), and was also distributed to Northampton businesses in a letter on September 26, 2025. The regulation goes into effect October 1, 2025.