Is Kratom Legal in Louisiana?

ℹ️ This information is current as of April 2026. Laws can change — always verify with your local authorities.

Kratom Legal Status in Louisiana

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is illegal in the state of Louisiana. The ban took effect on August 1, 2025, when Act 2025 — enacted through SB 154 — classified kratom’s two primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, as Schedule I controlled dangerous substances under Louisiana’s Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Law (La. R.S. 40:964).

Schedule I is the most restrictive classification in Louisiana’s controlled substance framework. Substances placed in this schedule are treated the same as heroin, LSD, and other drugs the state considers to have high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Both the possession and sale of kratom in any form — leaf, powder, capsule, or extract — are criminal offenses in Louisiana.

The ban was driven primarily by concerns over enhanced kratom products containing concentrated levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine. These enhanced products differ significantly from traditional kratom leaf and were linked to adverse events that drew the attention of Louisiana lawmakers and health officials. Rather than adopting a regulatory framework such as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) model used by over 18 other states, the Louisiana legislature chose outright prohibition.

SB 154 specifically targets the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — not the plant Mitragyna speciosa by name. In practical terms, however, because these alkaloids are naturally present in all kratom products, the law functions as a complete ban on kratom possession, sale, and distribution statewide.

Louisiana’s Legislative History with Kratom

Louisiana’s path to a full kratom ban unfolded over several years, beginning with local parish-level action and escalating through state legislation.

Parish-Level Bans (2022)

Ascension Parish became the first Louisiana jurisdiction to ban kratom on August 18, 2022, through Chapter 11, Article 8 of the parish code. Shortly after, on October 10, 2022, Rapides Parish followed suit, making it illegal to possess Mitragyna speciosa within the parish.

SB 94 (2023) — Initial Regulation

On June 26, 2023, SB 94 was signed into law, effective August 1, 2023. This bill added mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine to the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Law with an age restriction of 21 and older. It also allowed individual parishes to enact more restrictive local laws regarding kratom. At this stage, kratom remained legal for adults over 21 at the state level.

SB 154 / Act 2025 — Full Statewide Ban

In 2025, the legislature escalated from regulation to a full ban. SB 154, enacted as Act 2025, classified kratom alkaloids as Schedule I substances, effective August 1, 2025 (2025-08-01). This made Louisiana one of the most recent states to fully prohibit kratom.

Penalties for Kratom in Louisiana

Under Louisiana’s Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Law, Schedule I violations carry severe criminal penalties:

• Simple possession: Up to 5 years imprisonment and significant fines
• Possession with intent to distribute: Substantially longer prison sentences and larger fines
• Distribution or trafficking: The most severe penalties, with mandatory minimum sentences possible depending on quantity

These penalties apply to all kratom products, including raw leaf, powder, capsules, and extracts. There are no exemptions for personal use, and no distinction is made between traditional kratom leaf and enhanced products containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Where to Buy Kratom in Louisiana

Reversal Efforts

As of the April 2026 update, one reversal bill has been introduced in the Louisiana legislature. HB778, titled “Provides with respect to the possession of Kratom,” was read by title and referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice as of March 9, 2026. The bill has not advanced beyond committee referral.

Rhode Island became the first state to reverse a kratom ban in July 2025, establishing a legal precedent. The American Kratom Association continues to advocate for KCPA-style regulation in states with bans. However, as of this update, HB778 remains in early-stage committee review and its outcome is uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• SB 154 (2025) — LegiScan
• SB 94 (2023) — LegiScan
• HB778 (2026) — LegiScan
• Ascension Parish Kratom Ordinance — Municode
• Kratom Legality State-by-State Guide — Amazing Botanicals

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Kratom is not approved by the FDA for any use. Laws can change — always verify current local, state, and federal regulations before traveling with kratom. Last updated: April 2026.