News Summary
As of August 1, 2025, Louisiana will enforce a statewide ban on kratom, categorizing it as a Schedule I controlled substance. The legislation aims to address health concerns linked to kratom usage, which has seen a rise in associated fatalities. Possession laws will impose severe penalties, and while some argue for kratom’s therapeutic potential, public safety remains a primary focus. Store owners are already reacting to the impending ban, highlighting the impact on their businesses and users’ health concerns regarding alternative substances.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – As of August 1, 2025, Louisiana has officially implemented a statewide ban on kratom, classifying it as a Schedule I controlled substance. The legislation, enacted under Senate Bill 154, prohibits the sale, possession, and distribution of kratom products throughout the state. This significant move, signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry, is primarily driven by escalating health concerns tied to the usage of kratom, which has been correlated with an alarming rise in deaths linked to its consumption.
Data indicates that kratom-related fatalities surged from eight in 2018 to 53 in 2021. This troubling trend has prompted lawmakers to take decisive action, with the intention of safeguarding public health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not sanctioned kratom for medical use, highlighting potential risks including liver toxicity and substance use disorder.
Under the new legislation, the penalties for possession of kratom are severe. For those caught with less than 20 grams, the penalty includes a $100 fine. If an individual possesses over 20 grams, they could face up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. More serious consequences exist for the distribution of kratom; offenders may anticipate one to five years of imprisonment or fines reaching up to $50,000. Enforcement of these laws will be conducted by local law enforcement, including 38 agents from Louisiana’s Alcohol and Tobacco Control.
The legislative session featured a range of perspectives. While some advocated for kratom as a potential treatment option for chronic pain and mental health disorders, others underscored the public health risks associated with its use. The debate was marked by emotional testimony from families impacted by addiction, whose narratives underscored the complexities surrounding kratom’s use.
Store owners across the state are already taking action in light of the impending ban, removing kratom products from their shelves. Many expressed frustration at the new law, highlighting their concerns that the restrictions will have a considerable impact on their businesses. Customers reliant on kratom for its perceived benefits have also voiced apprehension about the transition to alternative substances. Some fear reverting to potentially harmful options, or even seeking kratom in neighboring Mississippi, where it remains legal.
Supporters of the ban argue that the move is necessary for public safety, given the health risks linked to kratom, especially in relation to polydrug use, which has been associated with many fatalities. Critics, however, believe the legislation unfairly penalizes those who responsibly use kratom for legitimate health reasons.
Kratom, which can be consumed in various formats including capsules or brewed as tea, has sparked a heated national debate regarding its safety and effectiveness. While many users report benefits in managing pain and anxiety, the lack of regulation and approval from health authorities like the FDA raises significant concerns about its safety profile.
This new law in Louisiana adds to a growing trend across the United States, where various states have adopted similar bans or restrictions on kratom as concern mounts over its safety and potential for abuse. The decision reflects ongoing tensions between health advocacy groups, who seek to limit the availability of substances linked to addiction, and proponents who argue for the therapeutic benefits of natural alternatives for chronic health issues.
The future of kratom usage in Louisiana will heavily depend on public compliance with these new regulations and ongoing discussions surrounding its safety, efficacy, and potential for regulation within the healthcare framework.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WDSU: Kratom is now illegal in Louisiana—what that means
- Wikipedia: Kratom
- WGNO: Louisiana kratom ban now in effect—business owner reacts
- Google Search: Kratom ban Louisiana
- NOLA: A bill to ban kratom has passed the Louisiana legislature—here’s what to know
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kratom
- WWLTV: Dozens of new Louisiana laws take effect August 1—here’s what’s changing
- Google News: Kratom Louisiana
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
