Board of Health approves budget reports; Kratom discussion continues
Ashland Board of Health approves budget reports and defers Kratom regulation. Chair Ed Burman and four board members unanimously approved fiscal 2026 year-to-date budget reports and February minutes in a 5-0 roll-call vote. The board heard six remote speakers on regulating Kratom; all urged
Board of Health · Meeting of March 17, 2026
Ashland Board of Health approves budget reports and defers Kratom regulation. Chair Ed Burman and four board members unanimously approved fiscal 2026 year-to-date budget reports and February minutes in a 5-0 roll-call vote. The board heard six remote speakers on regulating Kratom; all urged distinguishing natural leaf Kratom from the synthetic 7-OH derivative.
Vice Chair John Byrnes said he will distribute a revised draft regulation, modeled on state proposals, to board members before the next meeting. Health Director Rajit Gupta reported ongoing food establishment inspections, upcoming Stop the Bleed training with 12 registered participants on March 18, and an unresolved housing case at 21 Main Street, Unit 204, where a tenant continues reporting lack of heat and hot water since October; Gupta said the tenant must first consent to an inspection.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 322 words
Source: the Board of Health meeting of March 17, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Ashland meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Ashland who follows town government? Share Townbrief Ashland: they can sign up free.