Norwood Board of Health Bans Kratom Sales, Effective Immediately

NORWOOD — June 22, 2026 — Norwood Board of Health unanimously bans kratom and synthetic cannabinoid sales effective immediately, setting fines up to $1,500 and permit revocation. The board adopted a four-tier penalty structure at its June 22 meeting at the Senior Center: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 plus a seven-day Board of Health permit suspension for a second, $1,500 plus a 30-day suspension for a third, and full permit revocation for a fourth. Because no separate permit exists to sell kratom, enforcement will reach tobacco and food service licenses held by gas stations and convenience stores. Director Stacy presented a regional comparison showing Norwood's fines sit between Walpole's low of $100 and one community's high of $5,000. Board members directed Assistant Director Abby to notify likely retailers by return-receipt letter before inspections begin, with enforcement targeting tobacco-permit holders first. "At some point this will go away — maybe something else will come up unfortunately — but right now I want kratom gone," said member Carolyn.