New regulation on Kratom and related products effective May 20, 2026

Re: New Regulation

Dear Sir/Madam,

The Board of Health implemented the Regulation Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Kratom, Natural Kratom Leaf, Kratom Leaf Extract Mitagynin and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products; Article § 248; Sales.

The regulation will go into effect on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 to give the stores carrying the product time to remove All Kratom products and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating products (listed in the regulation) from your inventory. 

The regulation can be found on the Health Department’s website. An enforcement visit will be conducted in the following weeks after May 20, 2026. 

If you have any questions regarding this matter you can contact me at the town offices at 355 E Central Street, Franklin, MA or by phone at (508) 520-4905. Your prompt attention to this issue is appreciated.

Sincerely,

                                                                                                     

Cathleen Liberty                                                                              

Director of Public Health    

Link to regulation:  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9458/Article-248-Prohibiting-Sale-of-Kratom-and-other-productsA

Link to Board of Health meeting at which the public hearing and passage of the regulation was held. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/board-of-health-reviews-potential.html

Franklin Board of Health votes to prohibit "Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products"

FM #1742 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1742 in the series. 

The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday< May 6, 2026 at 5 PM as scheduled. All three members were present in the 3rd floor training room with the full representation of the Health Department members. A number of folks were in the room as well as joining remotely via the Google Meet connection.

Quick recap:

• Board approved by 3-0 the prior meeting minutes

• Opened the public hearing, heard from a number of folks for and against the proposed regulation

• Closed the public hearing

• Discussion amongst the Board resulted in an extension of the original proposal to include natural as it was present in energy drinks available to youth.

• Motion to amend the proposal, second, passes 3-0

• Vote on the motion to approve the regulation as amended, passes 3-0

• Notification to be mailed to current vendors

The recording runs about 56 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1742-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-05-06-26/

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Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062026-2246  

Proposed regulations doc (doesn't contain the amended version)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9031/Kratom-Draft-Regulations

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WP1tqQMiUsvAdEqI6jBFwNFCgBy06jBw/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Boston Globe: "US reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug"

Via the Boston Globe:

Boston Globe: "US reclassifies state-licensed medical
marijuana as a less-dangerous drug"

"President Donald Trump’s acting attorney general on Thursday signed an order reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug, a major policy shift long sought by advocates who said cannabis should never have been treated like heroin by the federal government.

The order signed by Todd Blanche does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use under federal law. But it does change the way it’s regulated, shifting licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I — reserved for drugs without medical use and with high potential for abuse — to the less strictly regulated Schedule III. It also gives licensed medical marijuana operators a major tax break and eases some barriers to researching cannabis.

The Trump administration also said it was jump-starting the process for reclassifying marijuana more broadly, setting a hearing to begin in late June."

Continue reading the article with this shared link - 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/23/nation/medical-marijuana-reclassified-schedule-iii/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Public Hearing: Regulations Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom

The Franklin Board of Health will hold a public hearing on implementing new Regulations Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom and unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products. 

The readings and final votes on adoption of the Regulations will take place during the Board of Health meeting beginning at 5:00 pm on May 6, 2026; there will be an opportunity for public input during the process. Location: Municipal Building, 3rd Floor Training Room, 355 E. Central Street, Franklin,

and also via the Googlemeet platform.

§ 248: Sales Add to the Code of the Town of Franklin Chapter 248: Sales. The Regulations are to add new language to the new Regulations prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of synthetically derived cannabinoids, synthetically derived Kratom and unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products.

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) town calendar to review the agenda including full text of proposed amendments, and for up to date meeting information on and after April 8, 2026. 

Please call the Health Department at (508) 520-4905 if you require further information.

Respectfully submitted by,

Cathleen Liberty

The proposed regulations - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9031/Kratom-Draft-Regulations

The full agenda for the May 6 meeting  - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062026-2246

Board of Health reviews potential regulations for mind altering products (audio)

FM #1705 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1705 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• No citizen comments

• Motion to approve March 4 minutes, so moved, second, passes 3-0 

• Motion to approve Mar 18 minutes, second, passes 3-0

• PFAS advisory to be posted at Chilson beach and a couple of other spots near there (300 Fisher St)

• Fish for catch and release generally

• Chilson water is tested weekly during summer for E.coli. Testing not done with PFAS except for water supply sources

• Draft regulations for the mind altering products

• Suggestion on change to the coverage of the retail shops, clarification to cover potential loop holes

• Suggestion on altering the levels of fine to $300, $500, $1000. To raise the deterrent incentive

• Discussion on ensuring that the retail and tobacco products, how to best accomplish this so folks have a chance to address during the public hearing, and let the board consider changes before Making the regulation official

• Discussion on warming/cooling shelters, with restricted hours at Senior Center, and Library closed Sunday, what are our options?

• Health director to do some research

• Food safety inspection

• Information shared on the inspection process, slides to be shared later

• Twice a year inspection, had considered a risk based approach but the key person moved on and with current staff, doing the 2 minimum per year per establishment (over 100)

• Review of reports

• Clarification questions on details of the reports 

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 56 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting April 1, 2026.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1705-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-04-01-26/

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Board of Health page - https://www.franklinma.gov/444/Board-of-Health 

Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2218 

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XYJ75c4VsxJ3-1ElSbqeR7o0M2ROuNY8/view?usp=drive_link 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Do you have thoughts on rental fee-related regulations? Share them with the FTC

Do you have thoughts on rental fee-related regulations? Share them with the FTC By BCP Staff Many of us use or work with rental housing in some way. Maybe you have been — or are currently — a renter.  Or maybe you own a rental property, operate a property management company, or otherwise work with or around rental housing.  If any of that applies to you, the FTC wants to hear from you. Read more and find link to provide input ->   https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/do-you-have-thoughts-rental-fee-related-regulations-share-them-ftc?utm_source=govdelivery

Board of Health starting discussion/process to ban sale of "mind altering" products (audio)

FM #1693 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1693 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• No citizen comments

• Discuss prohibiting the sale of mind altering products

• Concerns expressed, unregulated products in most cases

• Are being sold in Franklin

• Draft regulation based upon Northampton part of April agenda for review/comment

• Public hearing scheduled for May session

• Vote targeted for June session (depending upon how the preceding meetings/conversations go)

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting March 18, 2026.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1693-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-03-18-26/

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Agenda doc ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2191 

 

Northampton, MA regulations on "mind altering" products - https://northamptonma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1942

FDA & Kratom - https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Dismantling the FDIC??? What?

One if the many nightmares from Project 2025 is happening quietly in the background and we're so distracted by the insanity, we don't even realize it. 

Been down the rabbit hole and followed links to sites like https://ncua.gov/news/deregulation-project where you'll find that credit unions are in the middle of a deregulation project based off of one of Trump's executive orders. If you read the substack below, you'll see this is all from the Project 2025 playbook. 

Regulations exist to protect the consumer, you, us, we the people. And without those regulations, banks will do whatever shady shit they feel like to make sure THEIR bottom dollar increases, not yours. 

There is something we can do though. They make policy change proposals that are open to the public for comment. We can go tell them that we don't want deregulation. They have one up to remove verbiage about refunding interest to you. They say it's duplicative, well, ask yourself why? Why would they have duplicative verbiage on something like that unless it was because there were gaps or loopholes in the original verbiage which wasn't in favor of the consumer?

Do we know that 100% for sure? No. But this admin has worked for a large bank and knows they don't duplicate anything, they cover tracks. There's another proposal to remove regulations for reputational risk. 

Sounds like no big deal, but do you remember the Wells Fargo scandal, when they were caught creating accounts in people's names without permission so branch workers could meet goals? The massive loss in confidence from the public that came from that, THAT is reputational risk. So what do you think they will try to get away with if there's no regulations?

You have a voice in so much more than just calling your reps. Go read through some of these proposals and leave comments. Especially if you bank with a credit union. (We'll look into other websites for regular banks to see if there's a similar option and post if we find anything.)

https://www.regulations.gov/document/NCUA-2026-0266-0001

This is not to fear monger, this is to educate. There's history in that substack showing how these exact plays line up with previous financial collapse across the world. We can't let them slip quietly into the night and rob us blind without talking about it. This is the game plan.

"Flood the zone" with so much chaotic shit every day that stuff like this falls under the radar and people have no idea until it is too late. Well, now you know, and you know you can do something about it so they don't get away with it.

https://criticalresistance.substack.com/p/the-fdic-is-being-dismantledmost

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NYnVyr9rk/

Comment Period Opens on Proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (#ADU) regulations for Mass

Proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (#ADU) regulations for Mass

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr. (@MA_EOHLC) posted  Mon, Dec 09, 2024:

#EOHLC is excited to invite you to comment on proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (#ADU) regulations.  

We look forward to engaging with stakeholders on this important tool to help meet our growing #housing needs. 

Please visit https://t.co/5BJc6SsKWX for more information.

Shared from -> https://t.co/EX15aa5rTx

For more info on ADUs -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/accessory-dwelling-units