The bill is backed by Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, which criminalizes the possession and distribution of kratom.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana lawmakers have approved a statewide ban on kratom, a controversial herbal supplement. Senate Bill 154 cleared the House on Tuesday in a decisive 87-6 vote and now heads to Gov. Jeff Landry’s desk for final approval, NOLA.com reported. Critics warn of health risks, while supporters argue it could help with pain and mental health.
The bill is backed by Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, which criminalizes the possession and distribution of kratom. The bill passed easily, but the debate got heated.
Two lawmakers — Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Gray, and Rep. Peter Egan, R-Covington — pushed to allow natural kratom, “pure kratom leaf products” while banning lab-made versions with stronger compounds, but their effort didn’t succeed.
The compound is in dried kratom leaves in low amounts, but critics said it poses the highest risk for abuse, our partners reported.
Committee passes bill banning Kratom in Louisiana
During the bill’s review, officials gave mixed testimony: sheriffs warned of safety risks and deaths, researchers said kratom might help treat addiction, and healthcare workers reported rising kratom addiction cases.
According to the FDA, kratom-related deaths are rare and usually involve other drugs, NOLA.com reported.
SB154 sets a $100 fine for possessing under 20 grams of kratom, while possession over 20 grams can lead to up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine.
Distributing kratom could result in 1 to 5 years in prison or a fine up to $50,000.
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