The Plymouth Board of Health convened to discuss a complex regulatory framework for kratom, focusing on the stark pharmacological differences between natural leaf products and concentrated synthetics. Allison Smith, director of government affairs for the Global Kratom Coalition, urged the board to implement age-gating for natural products while banning synthetic alternatives like 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which she described as a novel opioid mimic. Smith told the board, Our entire purpose is to help distinguish between natural kratom leaf and concentrated synthetic 7-OH. Her colleague, Matt Low, emphasized that while natural leaf is habit-forming similarly to caffeine, the synthetic versions present a much higher risk, stating that severity is mild to moderate—so you’re looking at 70 to 75% of people that do develop a use disorder have a mild to moderate profile for natural leaf, whereas synthetics mimic traditional opioids. Board members expressed significant concern regarding the accessibility of these products in local smoke shops and convenience stores.

Following the presentation, the board moved to internal updates, including a celebration of Amy Palmer, who received a prestigious award at the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB) conference. Palmer noted her commitment to the regional coalitions that fund vital local inspections and health services, remarking, I was very honored to be acknowledged for the work that I do with MHA. The discussion then transitioned to tobacco control, specifically focusing on oral nicotine pouches and the rise of synthetic nicotine. Member Barry Potvin voiced alarm over the marketing of these products to adolescents, stating, I remain extremely concerned about the oral nicotine pouches. Health Director Karen Keane suggested that the town’s current regulations may need updates to explicitly address non-tobacco-derived nicotine, noting that in the tobacco regulations the word synthetic does not exist.

The meeting also covered critical environmental and community updates, including the ongoing decommissioning of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. Potvin informed the board that the Department of Environmental Protection recently denied Holtech’s appeal to discharge radioactive wastewater into Cape Cod Bay, though the company may still utilize evaporation methods. Chair Lorenzo Pizarro noted the board's continued focus on filling vacancies, stating, Hopefully over the next few weeks we'll have that alternate position filled. In community news, Teri Reid highlighted youth leadership programs and a holiday "kids shopping" initiative at the Algonquin housing community, observing, It's a really good community. I really think it's nice. Before concluding, the board reaffirmed their intention to hold a public forum on kratom later this month to gather further expert testimony from medical professionals.

Motion Made by Amy Palmer to approve the minutes of 10-08-2025. Motion Passed 3-0

The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 pm