HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROVOS EMAIL 12_03_2025d!Outloo k
Board of Health Request - Kratom / Nicotine
From Provos, Sara < SProvos@yarmouth.ma.us >
Date Wed 2025-12-03 11:24 AM
To Lennon, Kevin < KLennon@yarmouth.ma.us>; Arrascue, Enrique < EArrascue@yarmouth.ma.us >; Omalley,
Andrew <aomalley@yarmouth.ma.us>; Smith, Scott <ssmith@yarmouth.ma.us>
Cc Catalano, Annie <Acatalano@yarmouth.ma.us>; Grylls, Mark < mgrylls@yarmouth.ma.us >; Lewis, Barry
< BLewis@yarmouth.ma.us >; Niederberger, Riley < RNiederberger@yarmouth.ma.us >; Boskey Hillard
< hillard.boskey@gmail.com >
Good morning,
Following the Board of Health meeting held on December 1, 2025, the Board is reaching out to both the Police
and Fire Departments to gather additional information regarding the use, prevalence, and observed effects of
Kratom and nicotine products (including snuff, vaping devices, and nicotine pouches) within the Town of
Yarmouth.
As several municipalities have recently implemented regulations governing the sale and use of these substances,
the Board is working to evaluate their potential public health and public safety impacts locally. The topic of
Kratom will be discussed in detail at the Board's next meeting on December 15,2025, and any information your
departments can provide prior to that date would be greatly appreciated.
At the December 1 meeting, Robert Collett, Program Director of Cape Cod Regional Tobacco Control at Barnstable
County, reported that local school nurses have contacted his office regarding incidents of youth overdosing on
high-concentration nicotine pouches. He also noted that Kratom appears to produce effects similar to opioid-type
substances and may be contributing to progression to other drug use. Additionally, he referenced several incidents
handled by the Bourne Police Department in which individuals using Kratom required medical assistance.
The Board respectfully requests that your department submit any relevant data, reports, or other information
related to kratom or nicotine products (that can be shared) so that it may be reviewed in preparation for the
upcoming Board of Health meeting.
lf you have any questions or need further clarification on the information being requested, please feel free to
contact me.
lhank you,
Sara
Sara Provos
Town of Yarmouth
Health Department
508398-2231 ext. 1241