Is Kratom Legal in Louisiana?

If you live in Louisiana and use kratom, here’s something important you should know.

Starting August 1, 2025, it will be illegal to buy, sell, or carry kratom anywhere in the state. A new law, Senate Bill 154, has made kratom a Schedule I drug. That puts it in the same group as heroin and LSD under state law.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

First—What Is Kratom?

Kratom comes from a plant grown in Southeast Asia. It’s been used for years to help with pain, low energy, and stress. Some people take it instead of stronger medications. Others say it helped them stop using opioids.

You could find kratom in smoke shops, gas stations, or order it online. It’s sold as powder, capsules, drinks, and gummies.

What Happened in Louisiana?

On June 13, 2025, Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill that bans kratom state wide. The law kicks in on August 1, 2025. From that date, kratom becomes fully illegal across Louisiana.

Before this, only a few cities or parishes had local bans. Now, it’s banned everywhere in the state.

Kratom is now on Louisiana’s Schedule I list, meaning the state says it has no medical use and can be abused easily.

What Are the Penalties?

The punishments depend on how much kratom you have:

  • Less than 14 grams: Fine up to $500
  • More than 14 grams: Up to 5 years in jail and a fine up to $2,000
  • Selling, giving away, or making kratom: Same as above—jail time and fines

This includes powders, drinks, capsules—everything with kratom.

Why Did They Ban It?

Lawmakers and some health officials said kratom could be dangerous. Here’s what they claimed:

  • It can cause addiction
  • Some people had bad reactions, like confusion or hallucinations
  • Babies exposed to kratom during pregnancy had withdrawal symptoms
  • It’s often unregulated, meaning you don’t always know what’s inside

Some emergency rooms in the state reported problems linked to kratom. That made officials more concerned.

What About People Who Use It Safely?

Many folks aren’t happy about the ban. Some say kratom helped them stop using stronger drugs. Others use it to manage long-term pain or anxiety without prescriptions.

Groups like the American Kratom Association (AKA) tried to stop the ban. They wanted the state to regulate kratom, not ban it.

There was even a rally at the Capitol. People shared their stories. One veteran said:

“We got off opioids after 16 months. Kratom helped us stay clean. Now they want to take it away?”

Despite that, lawmakers passed the bill. They rejected all changes or compromises.

What Should You Do?

If you live in Louisiana and use kratom, here’s what to know:

  • After August 1, 2025, it’s illegal to buy, own, or sell kratom
  • You can’t order it online and have it shipped to your home
  • Shops in Louisiana will stop selling it
  • If you still have some at home, be aware—you could be fined or arrested

Now’s the time to use up your supply, look for other options, or talk to a doctor about what to do next.

Could the Ban Be Reversed?

Maybe in the future. But for now, the law stands.

The American Kratom Association and other advocates aren’t done fighting. They might push for changes in the next legislative session. Some states banned kratom, then later switched to a regulated system. That could happen in Louisiana—but not anytime soon.

Right now, kratom is fully banned, starting in August. Be careful and stay informed.