（Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（13）日下達緊急命令，限制卡痛草（Kratom）產品在麻州各地銷售，麻州公共衛生廳也已發出緊急命令，暫時把將所有形式的卡痛草暫列為第一類管制藥物（Schedule I），期以保護青少年及麻州居民的安全。
這命令將在公告 14天 後正式生效，最長實施期限為 一年。
卡痛草（Kratom）是一種原產於東南亞的熱帶植物，含有天然活性成分如帽柱木鹼（Mitragynine）和7-羥基帽柱木鹼（7-OH）。根據使用劑量和配方的不同，它會產生類似於興奮劑或阿片類的藥理效果。
由於坊間有業者高倍濃縮7-OH，有的甚至高到其類鴉片強度達到嗎啡的13倍，還包裝成色彩鮮艷的軟糖，能量飲料，口香糖，還打出「提升專注力」，「天然止痛藥」等口號，在便利店，煙草店，加油站銷售，以致許多年輕人或一般居民在毫無警覺下食用，因而上癮。麻州各地警政系統與醫院診所都接獲越來越多使用卡痛草產品導致的精神異常，或過量中毒個案。
在卡痛草暫列為第一類管制藥物（Schedule I）後，地方市鎮的衛生局和警察將取得執法權，直接處罰違規商家，並把相關產品從煙草店、便利店及加油站等場所下架。
麻州公共衛生廳指出，麻州居民如果發現有人使用卡痛草產品，出現呼吸減慢或停止的情況，應立即使用納洛酮（Naloxone）。目前人們不需要處方，就可在麻州各地藥房，以及許多零售點購買納洛酮。若有居民需要戒斷或治療支持，可隨時致電或發送簡訊 “HOPE” 至 800-327-5050 聯繫馬薩諸塞州藥物濫用求助熱線。
查詢卡痛草相關健康指南，可上麻州政府官網mass.gov/kratom 。
Governor Healey Takes Action to Protect Young People and Residents from Dangerous Kratom Products
State will restrict sale of kratom, a largely unregulated substance with opioid-like effects, and expand public education and treatment outreach
BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced new actions to protect Massachusetts residents from dangerous and largely unregulated kratom products, including an emergency order restricting the sale of kratom across the state and new efforts to educate the public about the health risks and connect people with treatment and recovery services.
Kratom is widely sold in smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas stations in the powders, tablets, capsules, gummies, dissolvable strips, and other forms. Kratom products have, to-date, been largely unregulated and products can vary significantly in their potency and ingredients, making it difficult for consumers to know what they are purchasing or the potential health risks. Regular kratom use can also lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal.
“Dangerous kratom products are being sold in stores across Massachusetts with little oversight, and people – including children – often have no way of knowing what they’re buying or how potent it is,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Customers should be able to trust that the products being sold in stores are safe. We’re taking action to protect young people and residents, give communities the tools to get dangerous products off store shelves and make sure anyone struggling with dependence can get the treatment and support they need.”
“Kratom is increasingly available in stores and comes in many different forms and potencies, but many people may not realize the serious risks associated with these products,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re making sure residents understand those risks, know how to respond in an emergency and can access treatment and recovery services if they need help.”
Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, has issued an emergency order temporarily placing all forms of kratom into Schedule I under Massachusetts law. The order will take effect following a 14-day notice period and remain in effect for up to one year. It will give local boards of health and other municipal officials additional authority to take enforcement action against retailers selling kratom products.
As part of the statewide effort, DPH is also providing information and guidance to local boards of health, health care providers and substance use treatment programs about the new restrictions, the health risks associated with kratom and available treatment and recovery services. DPH will also hold an informational webinar for local public health officials to support implementation of the order.
“In public health, we need to be nimble, responding to new and emerging threats with evidence-based actions,” said DPH Commissioner Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Kratom is increasingly being used by youth and adults, and many are unaware of the risks, including overdose, dependence, and serious health consequences. Our goal is to protect the public while getting those who need treatment or support the care they deserve.”
Kratom is a leafy plant native to Southeast Asia containing naturally occurring substances, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Depending on the amount and potency, kratom can produce stimulant-like or opioid-like effects. Some newer products contain highly concentrated or laboratory-modified compounds that can have significantly stronger opioid-like effects.
Kratom use has been associated with a range of health effects, including seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Kratom also carries a risk of overdose, particularly when highly potent products are used, products contain unknown substances, or it is combined with opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives. While uncommon, kratom-related deaths have been reported, particularly when kratom is used with other substances or by people with underlying health conditions.
If someone who has used kratom has slowed or stopped breathing, naloxone should be administered immediately. Naloxone is available without a prescription at pharmacies and many retail locations across Massachusetts.
Treatment is available for people experiencing kratom withdrawal or dependence, including medications, counseling, peer support and behavioral health services. Individuals seeking help for themselves or a loved one can call or text “HOPE” to 800-327-5050 to reach the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DPH has also launched new resources at mass.gov/kratom to help residents understand the risks, recognize the signs of an overdose, learn how to respond to an overdose and access treatment and recovery services.
沒有留言:
發佈留言