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What’s the State of Kratom in Louisiana?

Anthony Dent, Founding Member
October 11, 2022
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Key Takeaways:

Louisiana has recently passed a law banning kratom
After years of unsuccessful legal efforts to regulate or ban the plant, the state finally made a decision to ban
Kratom is now illegal to purchase, sell, and possess in the state

Louisiana, with its bayous and jazz-filled streets, is undeniably one of America’s most unique states. From grabbing beignets in New Orleans to enjoying a po’boy in Baton Rouge, the state offers a distinct cultural experience that is second to none. But is it unique in its kratom laws as well?

If you’re a resident kratom user or curious traveler from away, you’ve likely asked, “Is kratom legal in Louisiana?” We answer that question in detail here. Starting from the 2022 Ascension Parish ban, all the way to the 2025 Louisiana kratom laws.

It’s true that kratom is now illegal statewide. But what led to this decision? Can you really not buy, sell, or even hold kratom anywhere in the Pelican State? Understanding this new law is crucial. Read on to learn how Louisiana’s kratom ban affects you and what steps you can take if you support safe regulation.

History Of Kratom In Louisiana

It seems like there’s always breaking news, begging the question: Is kratom legal in Louisiana? In 2014, state legislators considered adding kratom and kratom alkaloids to the state’s controlled substances list. In 2015, the ban nearly became a reality (the bill passed, but kratom’s alkaloids were ultimately removed from the list of controlled substances).

In 2018, legislators tasked the Louisiana Department of Health with studying kratom to determine if it should be made illegal. A similar bill was passed in 2019. Then, in 2020, legislators considered a bill that would regulate kratom in the state (the Kratom Consumer Protection Act). Ultimately, that was unsuccessful as well.

In August 2022, Ascension Parish (the 13th largest parish in the state by population) became the first parish in the state to officially implement a kratom ban. The law represented a major setback for supporters of kratom in Louisiana.

And now, kratom is in the news once again.

Louisiana’s 2025 Statewide Kratom Ban

As of August 1, 2025, kratom is no longer legal anywhere in Louisiana. Senate Bill 154 amended the state’s Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law to add kratom and its main alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) to Schedule I. That means:

No Buying Or Selling: You cannot legally purchase or offer kratom in Louisiana. Retailers and processors cannot produce, distribute, or sell kratom in any form. This applies to all parishes statewide. Local bans like Ascension Parish’s are now redundant.

No Possession: Any product made from Mitragyna speciosa leaves now counts as a Schedule I substance. Holding kratom in Louisiana for personal use is a crime, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to a felony charge, depending on the amount involved.

Heavy Penalties: First-time offenders face up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. Anyone manufacturing or moving large amounts (500 g or more) faces one to five years behind bars and fines up to $50,000.

SB 154 thus closes the loophole that previously allowed kratom possession even where retail sales were banned. Louisiana’s kratom ban ends legal access to all kratom products across the state. While public health goals inspired the law, its broad sweep leaves no legal path to possess or use kratom.

If you support regulated access instead of prohibition, the best thing to do is to support the work of the American Kratom Association. They are an advocacy organization that pushes for safe kratom regulation nationwide. You should also share your views with the legislators in Louisiana.

Staying Informed About Kratom In Louisiana

The problem in Louisiana started with a lack of regulation. If you’re buying your kratom from a gas station, you can’t be sure of the safety or the quality. And it’s easy to see why that would be seen as a public health concern. That’s why it’s so important to do your homework and buy only premium-quality, all-natural kratom capsules, extracts, or powders.

For reliable updates and in-depth resources on kratom laws across the country, visit The Kratom Company’s blog. We are committed to keeping you up-to-date with accurate information on Louisiana kratom laws and more.