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Friday, October 30, 2026 Essex County, Massachusetts · Change town
Government · Board of Health

North Andover Board of Health preps kratom rules

North Andover's Board of Health begins drafting kratom rules ahead of a state ban's expiration.

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Board of Health · Meeting of September 24, 2026

North Andover's Board of Health begins drafting kratom rules ahead of a state ban's expiration. Public Health Director Francis Dagle told the board Massachusetts's one-year kratom ban gives the town time to prepare local regulations, modeled on towns like Westford, before the supplement could legally return to shelves. "It has been in the background on news channels, not as prevalent as other opiates, but definitely cause for concern," Dagle said.

The board also reviewed a Department of Environmental Protection grant funding five town air-quality sensors, eyed for sites including Merrimack College, and set 2027 meeting dates of April 15 and December 3. Health Inspector Craig DeCosta scored a 90 on his Title V certification's midpoint exam. The board approved its June 25 minutes and adjourned unanimously with no other formal votes.

In the full story:

  • Who Was There
  • Organizations And Documents Referenced
  • The complete report — 2,395 words

Source: the Board of Health meeting of September 24, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

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