News Summary
A statewide ban on kratom will take effect in Louisiana on August 1, criminalizing its possession and distribution. Local businesses prepare for the end of sales, while lawmakers push for the ban amid concerns about kratom’s addictive properties. Critics argue it may create a black market, complicating public health issues as users have expressed reliance on kratom for managing addiction. The law enforces penalties for possession and distribution, raising serious discussions about legislative justifications in light of legal addictive substances.
New Orleans, Louisiana — A statewide ban on kratom will take effect in Louisiana on August 1, following legislation signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry. The law criminalizes both the possession and distribution of kratom, a substance derived from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia.
Local businesses, such as the Brown Derby convenience store on Tulane Avenue, are preparing for the end of kratom sales. Store owner Gus Melkieh expressed that he expects to sell out his remaining stock, valued at approximately $500 to $600, before the ban takes effect.
Lawmakers initiated the push for this ban during the 2025 legislative session, motivated by growing concerns regarding kratom’s addictive properties and potential health risks associated with its use. Critics of kratom have described it as offering an addictive high and raising significant health concerns.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for medical use and has provided warnings about serious risks, including liver toxicity, seizures, and the potential for substance use disorders. The state has taken these concerns into serious consideration while formulating the new law.
Leading the opposition against kratom in the legislature, State Rep. Debbie Villio emphasized its dangers during debates. However, some customers at businesses like Melkieh’s claim they use kratom to help overcome drug addiction, manage anxiety, or enhance work performance, illustrating the substance’s multifaceted perception among the public.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) in Louisiana is gearing up to enforce the new law to ensure public safety remains a priority. Penalties associated with the law include a $100 fine for possessing less than 20 grams of kratom, while possession of more than 20 grams could lead to up to six months in jail or fines of up to $1,000. Distribution of kratom could result in prison sentences of one to five years or fines reaching $50,000.
Inspections and compliance checks by the ATC are set to begin on July 1, ahead of the law’s enactment. Despite the legislative support for the ban, critics, including Melkieh, are voicing concerns over lawmakers’ justifications, pointing out that other addictive substances like alcohol and cigarettes remain legal.
The legislation was passed under Senate Bill 154, which garnered significant approval in the House with a vote tally of 87-6, and subsequently received the gubernatorial signature. Emotional testimonies during the legislative discussions revealed the complexity of the kratom debate, including narratives from families affected by kratom addiction. Advocates argue that kratom serves as a potential harm reduction tool, providing relief for individuals struggling with substance use issues.
Opponents of the kratom ban caution that it may inadvertently force users underground, creating a black market that could introduce additional dangers associated with unchecked usage. This situation has highlighted the conflicting perspectives regarding kratom, balancing concerns for public health against its potential benefits in treating chronic pain and aiding addiction recovery.
As Louisiana moves forward with this comprehensive ban, the future of kratom within the state remains uncertain, with many anticipating how these changes will affect both users and businesses alike.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 8 Live: Stores Brace for Louisiana’s Kratom Ban
- NOLA: A Bill to Ban Kratom Has Passed the Louisiana Legislature
- WDSU: Lawmakers Push to Ban Kratom
- Wikipedia: Kratom
- WWL TV: Louisiana Kratom Ban Bill Passes House
- Google Search: Kratom Ban Louisiana
