HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaciel Email 03_07_2026(! outlook
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To The Town of Yarmouth Board Member
Raw Leaf Kratom Regulation/Full ban on synthetics (7oh, Mgm.l5, etc)
From Shane Maciel <shane maciel@gmail.com >
Date sat 2026-03-07 9:48 AM
To Provos, Sara < SProvos@yarmouth.ma.us >
I am writing to you as a medical professional in
the state of Massachusetts to express my strong
opposition to the proposed local banning of
raw leaf kratom. Having seen firsthand the
complexities of substance abuse in our
communities, I am concerned that a ban would
be a reactionary measure based on incomplete
information rather than a thoughtful solution
for our residents.
Kratom serves as a vital, accessible alternative
for thousands of individuals managing chronic
pain, particularly those who lack the health
insurance or resources required for traditional
pharmaceutical treatments like Suboxone or
5ubutex. These clinical options often necessitate
regular appointments, transportation, and
consistent coverage that many in our
community simply do not have.
Furthermore, many organizations advocating
for these bans are from out of state and may
not fully grasp the specific struggles we face in
Massachusetts. lt is important to note that
many reported kratom-related deaths involve
poly-substance use rather than kratom alone.
lnstead of an outright ban, I urge you to
Banning this substance at a town level is
ineffective and potentially dangerous. Residents
can easily obtain kratom in neighboring towns
or online, meaning a local ban would only
succeed in creating an unregulated
underground market. This shift could
inadvertently drive individuals toward far more
dangerous substances, such as fentanyl.
increasing the risk of overdose.
consider sensible state-level regulations-such
as age restrictions (21+) and quality control
standards-similar to how we manage alcohol.
You may want to consider what the Town of
South Hadley is pursuing related to Kratom
consumption and sales in their community.
I ask that you consider the thousands of lives
currently supported by legal access to kratom
and opt for regulation over a total ban. Thank
you for your time and for your dedication to the
safety of our community.
Sincerely,
Shane Ny'aciel