Athol health board reviews nitrous oxide regulations

ATHOL- The Board of Health discussed potential local rules to regulate kratom and flavored nitrous oxide canisters, known as whippets, as members raised concerns about the substances’ growing availability.

The board also addressed a disputed sober house proposal on Spring Street.

At its Aug. 26 meeting, Vice Chair Joan Hamlett raised concerns about kratom, a substance created from a tropical plant that can act as a stimulant in low doses and cause hallucinations at higher doses. Although the FDA has not approved kratom for medical use, it remains widely available in Athol.

“Many states have banned it. In Massachusetts, there’s no regulation on it. They leave it up to local policies,” Hamlett said. “It’s not an FDA-approved product, which means nobody should be putting it in their mouth.”

Hamlett noted kratom products are being sold locally in dollar stores, convenience stores, and even barber shops. She also warned about nitrous oxide canisters, known as whippets, which are now marketed in flavored versions.

“A store shouldn’t be selling nitrous oxide unless they sell a device to use it in, like a crème brûlée torch,” Hamlett said.

Board members said they are reviewing Northampton’s recently adopted rules on kratom and whippets as a potential model and may work with Orange and other nearby towns on a regional approach. They discussed sending members to attend a Sept. 18 presentation in Fitchburg for more information before drafting a regulation.

The board also addressed a sober house on Spring Street, operated by Jim Paramenter. While Paramenter has hired an attorney and has been collecting signatures in support of the home, board members said zoning remains the primary issue. The concerns center on a lack of certification for sober house managers and the amount of space in the property.

“This is turning into a real situation,” said Health Agent Jane O’Brien, adding that the proposal has already been denied by zoning officials.

“We want to help as many as we can, but need to follow the rules,” Hamlett said.

O’Brien echoed that point: “The Board of Health supports any type of sober homes. However, you still have to follow the laws, the restrictions, the codes.”

The matter is expected to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals in the coming weeks.

The board also revisited the case of a run-down property on Main Street that has been the subject of court proceedings for more than two years. Board member Renette Kramer described the site as “a dangerous location,” while Hamlett noted that “it has rats, it’s unsecured, and doesn’t even have a construction fence around it.”

O’Brien said she will be going back to court, and that the judge has indicated the property could be placed in receivership.

“I am hoping that this is the final straw,” she said.

The next Board of Health meeting will be held on Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. at Athol Town Hall.