State Designates Kratom Schedule I Drug, Town Issues Alert

SHREWSBURY — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has classified kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, and the town posted an alert to residents Tuesday flagging the change alongside a new bulk waste pickup program.

TOWN HALL

The commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health signed an order on Aug. 13, under state law (M.G.L. c. 94C, Section 2A), designating kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. The town's News Flash service pushed the alert to residents on Tuesday, five days after the order was signed, putting kratom in the same legal category as other substances subject to the state's strictest controls.

Separately, the town announced a bulk waste pickup program it is billing as "easy and affordable," giving residents another option for disposing of large household items.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

Shrewsbury Public Library has a new community discussion on the calendar: "Perimenopause and Menopause," set for Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6:03 p.m. at the library's 609 Main St. location.

COMING UP

The town will test voting equipment on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Ave. The Summer Concert Series continues that same evening at 6 p.m. at 805 Main St. Big Blue Swim School hosts a Family Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 29 at noon.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.