Plymouth Board of Health Adopts Kratom Regulations Effective July 1

PLYMOUTH -- May 20, 2026, Plymouth Board of Health votes unanimously to adopt kratom regulations effective July 1. The five-member board, chaired by Teri Reid, M.D., passed the new rules 5-0 at its May 20 hybrid meeting after Reid confirmed with Public Health Director Karen Keane that edits from health law advocate Cheryl Sbarra had cleared Town Counsel review. The board also approved two septic variances 5-0, including a post-facto variance at 103 Andrew's Way that carried a fine of double the permit fee, recommended in a statement from Assistant Town Manager Lauren Lind. Harbor Master Chad Hunter briefed the board on boating safety ahead of the summer season, reporting that 76 percent of boating fatalities involve drowning and that 87 percent of those victims were not wearing personal flotation devices.