LAFAYETTE, La. — Governor Jeff Landry signed legislation this year officially banning the sale and possession of kratom in Louisiana, citing rising public health concerns tied to the controversial herbal supplement.
Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, is commonly sold in local tobacco shops and gas stations in the form of pills, powders, or liquids. While kratom can produce stimulant-like effects at certain doses, lawmakers argue it may also cause an addictive high, raising concerns about its safety and potential for abuse.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the number of kratom-related deaths in the state has increased over the years, from eight recorded cases in 2018 to 53 in 2021.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began issuing warnings about kratom in 2017 and now links the substance to 44 to 47 deaths nationwide. At least one of those cases is being investigated as a result of pure kratom use, but most fatalities involved adulterated products or kratom taken in combination with other substances. These include illicit drugs, opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, gabapentin, and even over-the-counter medications such as cough syrup.
Supporters of the ban say the legislation is necessary to protect public health, while some advocates continue to argue that kratom can be used safely for pain management and opioid withdrawal under proper regulation.
Smoke shops across the state will cease the sale of kratom starting July 31, ahead of a statewide ban that takes effect Aug. 1. This new regulation is causing concern among local retailers, including Lit Smoke Shop on Louisiana Avenue, where management is bracing for the potential financial impacts.
Xavier Williams, manager of the shop, has been actively preparing for the ban and informing his customers.
"I knew about the ban since last month. I've been trying to prepare for it, trying to get my customers prepared, trying to telling them. I won't be having this," said Willams.
Kratom, known for its use by individuals seeking focus, energy and pain relief, has sparked debate among state officials.
State Representative Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, criticized the substance during a Louisiana House of Representatives committee meeting, labeling it as “gas station heroin or legal morphine.”
Senate Bill 154 will criminalize the possession and distribution of kratom.
Soren Shade, founder of Top Tree Herbs, stated "Louisiana’s ban criminalizes thousands of responsible adults while sidestepping the growing body of evidence that demonstrates kratom’s safety. The biggest risk isn’t the plant—it’s the actions taken by careless members of the industry, such as reckless formulating, mislabeling, and marketing products to intentionally mislead consumers.”
"It's highly addictive. Kratom can lead to overdose, with symptoms ranging from nausea to seizures, coma, and even death," Villio stated.
This comes after already tight restrictions and regulations on certain items that are found in smoke shops, leaving store owners fearing empty shelves after this bans.
"This is like one of my last things to keep me open because this is one of main means of income because I don't have my vape sales anymore or my nicotine juices," Williams told KATC.
Kratom, a plant often used for focus, energy and pain relief, can be consumed in various forms, including pills, beverages and powders. Its consumption may offer potential benefits, according to Williams.
"This helps more people in the long run. I've seen people who've been using drugs off the streets come in and talk about how this got them off the stuff on the streets and how it has been helping them," Williams said. "It's got them motivated and helps relieve their pain. Cancer patients love this kratom because it literally eases their pain, and without it, I don't know what they are going to do."
See below to see the penalties when it comes to the unlawful possession, production or distribution of kratom:
