Kratom, a controversial herbal substance commonly sold in gas stations and convenience stores, will soon be officially banned in Louisiana. Governor Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 154 (Act 41) into law on June 4. A formal signing event was held at the state Capitol on June 10. The Louisiana kratom ban was signed into law following months of heated debate and strong backing from law enforcement and public health advocates. The law officially goes into effect on August 1, 2025, making Louisiana one of a growing number of states cracking down on the sale and possession of kratom.
This decision comes amid growing public health concerns and a sharp rise in kratom lawsuits. As more families come forward with tragic stories of addiction and loss, and as local governments enact their own bans, Louisiana has become a focal point in the national debate over kratom’s safety.
Why the Louisiana Kratom Law Matters
Kratom use has been linked to several fatal overdoses in Louisiana, including the 2023 death of a 36-year-old woman in St. Tammany Parish, which prompted a coroner’s public health warning. Many of these cases involve kratom mixed with other substances, making the risk of overdose even higher.
In 2023, our firm filed Louisiana’s first kratom wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a 25-year-old West Monroe man who died after using an OPMS brand kratom product purchased at a gas station. That lawsuit alleges the product was sold without proper warnings, in violation of the Louisiana Products Liability Act.
Local governments soon followed with their own restrictions. The Ouachita Parish Police Jury banned kratom sales in unincorporated areas in late 2023, and the City of West Monroe passed its own ban in February 2024.
Opposition to the Kratom Law
While public officials praised the law as a necessary step to protect residents, the bill drew strong opposition from kratom advocates and some lawmakers. The American Kratom Association (AKA) urged Governor Landry to veto SB154, arguing that the law would criminalize individuals who rely on kratom for chronic pain or opioid recovery. They called the legislation a “dangerous and unjust criminalization bill” and warned it would drive the kratom market underground without improving safety or consumer protections.
Despite those appeals, Gov. Landry moved forward with signing the bill, stating that the law reflects Louisiana’s commitment to “getting harmful and unregulated substances out of our communities.”
Kratom remains controversial because supporters tout its potential to ease anxiety, depression, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. But critics—including the FDA and National Institute on Drug Abuse—warn that its effects are not well understood, and that it carries risks such as addiction, seizures, liver toxicity, high blood pressure, and overdose, especially when mixed with other drugs.
What Happens When the Kratom Ban Takes Effect?
Starting August 1, 2025, the new kratom law will be enforceable statewide. Retailers must remove kratom products from shelves, and consumers found in possession may face penalties, especially in larger amounts. Law enforcement agencies will be tasked with upholding the ban, while public health officials continue to monitor and report kratom-related incidents.
The law establishes criminal penalties for kratom possession and distribution:
- Possession of less than 20 grams: $100 fine
- Possession of more than 20 grams: Up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine
- Distribution of kratom: 1 to 5 years in prison or fines up to $50,000
Although the legislation does not distinguish between natural and synthetically enhanced kratom products, the goal, according to lawmakers and prosecutors, is to reduce kratom-related harm and prevent future tragedies.
District attorneys and sheriffs across the state pushed for the ban, describing kratom as a growing public health threat that has been flying under the radar due to a lack of regulation at the federal level. Despite previous efforts by the DEA to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, it remains legal in many parts of the U.S.
Legal and Legislative Action Working Together
The passage of Louisiana’s kratom ban represents a coordinated effort between lawmakers, law enforcement, and the legal community to address the serious risks posed by unregulated kratom products. It also underscores the importance of kratom lawsuits in holding negligent manufacturers and sellers accountable.
As more states consider bans and tighter regulations, Louisiana’s experience may serve as a model for how legislation and litigation can work together to protect public health.
If you or someone you love has suffered harm after using kratom, you may have legal options. Contact the Louisiana product liability attorneys at Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain to learn more about filing a kratom lawsuit. We can help you pursue justice and compensation for medical expenses, lost income, emotional trauma, and more. Call us today at 844-943-7626 or reach out online for a free consultation.
Jed Cain is a partner with Herman, Herman & Katz, LLC. He has dedicated his career to representing injured folks and their families.
