Louisiana Enacts Statewide Ban on Kratom Effective August 1

News Summary

A new law banning kratom in Louisiana, signed by Governor Jeff Landry, will take effect on August 1. The bipartisan legislation prohibits the sale, possession, and distribution of kratom due to concerns over health risks and safety. Violators could face substantial fines and jail time, raising debates over public health and personal use. As local businesses prepare for the ban, both supporters and detractors of kratom are voicing their opinions on the substance’s effects and regulation.

New Orleans, Louisiana — A statewide ban on kratom will go into effect on August 1, following the approval of legislation signed by Governor Jeff Landry. This new law, which garnered bipartisan support, prohibits the sale, possession, and distribution of the substance known for its psychoactive effects derived from a Southeast Asian tree.

The Brown Derby convenience store on Tulane Avenue has already announced that it will cease kratom sales after July 31, as local businesses scramble to adjust to the impending regulations. Louisiana’s Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) is preparing for enforcement, with inspections and compliance checks slated to begin earlier, starting July 1.

The legislation, known as Senate Bill 154, was pushed through during the 2025 legislative session primarily by State Senator Jay Morris, who argued that kratom presents a significant public safety risk. The bill passed the Louisiana House with strong support, reflected in a 87-6 vote. Proponents of the ban assert that kratom provides an addictive high and poses serious health risks, with evidence suggesting potential severe side effects including liver toxicity and seizures, which have been flagged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Under the new law, individuals caught with less than 20 grams of kratom could face a $100 fine, while possession of over 20 grams could result in a jail sentence of up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. More severe penalties are in place for distribution, which can include prison sentences ranging from 1 to 5 years and fines up to $50,000.

The discussions surrounding the ban have ignited a divided response among the public and lawmakers. Some legislators have labeled kratom as “bad stuff,” highlighting personal testimonies and tragedies associated with its use, including suicides linked to withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, advocates argue that kratom serves as a valuable remedy for chronic pain, anxiety, and even recovery from drug addiction, stressing the need for understanding rather than outright prohibition.

Implementation and Compliance Measures

ATC Commissioner Ernest Legier has indicated that their efforts will focus on ensuring compliance with the new law, which includes regular inspections and possible penalties for noncompliance starting on the effective date of the ban. The legislation’s classification of kratom’s psychoactive components as Schedule 1 drugs suggests a recognition of their high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use in the United States.

The Dichotomy of Experiences

The ongoing debates surrounding kratom highlight the complexity of its implications on public health and safety. Supporters of kratom point to its purported benefits for managing anxiety and pain, while detractors emphasize the addiction potential and health risks associated with its usage. This disparity among individual experiences has fueled discussions concerning the most effective means of regulating kratom use—whether through ban or through a framework of regulation that may provide safer access.

As the August deadline approaches, the Louisiana legislature continues to navigate this contentious issue, grappling with both the promise and peril that kratom represents within the community. The balance remaining to be struck will likely center on safeguarding public health while also considering the personal experiences of those who use kratom as a coping mechanism.

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