Louisiana Considers Ban on Kratom, a Long-Legal Herbal Supplement

Louisiana lawmakers are moving closer to banning kratom, a natural supplement long sold over the counter and touted by some for pain and anxiety relief. State Senator Jay Morris has proposed legislation that would make it illegal to buy, sell, or possess kratom, citing concerns about addiction and potential health risks. Despite these concerns, kratom has been used for hundreds of years, and its effects are said to be similar to opioids and stimulants, though research on its safety and efficacy remains limited.

While there have been deaths linked to kratom-56 in 2022 compared to over 87,000 opioid-related deaths from 2023 to 2024-critics of the ban argue that outlawing kratom could criminalize those seeking alternatives to prescription painkillers or illicit drugs. If the bill passes, violators could face fines or jail time. Read more at K945.