Front view of the Louisiana State Capitol building in Baton Rouge, with a tall central tower and clear blue sky in the background.
Is Kratom Legal in Louisiana?
Abdullah Mamun
Published on June 11, 2025
Updated on August 7, 2025
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TL;DR: As of June 10, 2025, kratom is officially banned in Louisiana. You can still legally dispose of it until August 1, 2025; after that, possession, sale, or use becomes a criminal offense across the entire state. Local bans are no longer relevant. It does not matter what city or parish you're in; the law applies everywhere in Louisiana.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or medical advice. Always check with local authorities or a legal expert before using or transporting kratom.

On June 10, 2025, Governor Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 154 into law. The bill reclassifies kratom and its active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, as Schedule I controlled substances. This puts kratom in the same legal category as heroin and LSD in the state of Louisiana.

The vote passed with heavy support: 89–5 in the House and 26–11 in the Senate. Support came from sheriffs, district attorneys, and public health officials.

Quick Facts

  • Kratom was legal statewide in Louisiana until June 10, 2025
  • Local bans existed in parishes like Ascension, Rapides, Livingston, Vernon, and Caldwell
  • Kratom was allowed in major cities, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette
  • Senate Bill 154 officially bans kratom statewide starting August 1, 2025
  • No Kratom Consumer Protection Act was passed; this is a full ban

When the Law Goes Into Effect

The ban is not active immediately. It will be enforced starting August 1, 2025. Until then, businesses are expected to pull kratom from their shelves, and individuals should dispose of any remaining supply.

There’s no grace period after August 1. Anyone found with kratom after that date can be charged under state law.

What the Ban Covers

The new law bans all forms of kratom. That includes:

  • Raw leaves
  • Capsules and powders
  • Extracts and resins
  • Any product that contains mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine

It also prohibits:

  • Possession
  • Sale or resale
  • Manufacturing or processing
  • Cultivation of the plant

There are no exceptions, even for adults or medical use. Proposed amendments that would have excluded raw leaf were rejected.

Good to Know: State authorities have made it clear that this ban is intended to protect public health and will be enforced accordingly. Anyone in Louisiana who uses or sells kratom should take note of this change and adjust before the August deadline to avoid legal consequences.

Penalties for Breaking the Law

Penalties vary based on quantity and offense:

  • 20g or less (possession): Misdemeanour; fine up to $100
  • More than 20g: Up to 6 months jail and $1,000 fine
  • Manufacturing or Distributing: Felony; 1–5 years in prison and up to $50,000 fine

So while users with small amounts may only face a fine, selling or moving large amounts can land you in prison.

Previous Local Bans Are Now Void

Before this law, kratom was banned in several parishes, like:

  • Ascension
  • Rapides
  • Livingston
  • Vernon
  • Caldwell

Meanwhile, cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette still allowed it. That patchwork system is gone. The new law overrides all parish-level bans and allowances.

Final Thoughts

Before this law, kratom was sold freely in many Louisiana cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette. Some parishes had local bans in place, but the rest of the state allowed kratom sales in gas stations, vape shops, and online.

That changed on June 10, 2025, when Governor Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 154. The law bans all forms of kratom statewide, with enforcement beginning August 1, 2025. From that date forward, no city or parish can make its own rules; kratom will be illegal everywhere in Louisiana.

If you're in Louisiana and still have kratom, now’s the time to get rid of it. After August 1, even a small amount could get you fined or arrested. Retailers should stop sales immediately to avoid penalties.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Kratom laws can change without notice. Always verify legal status with local government offices or legal professionals before making decisions involving kratom.