In most states, now is the time to quit worrying because most state legislatures are wrapping up by now.  But in Louisiana, state lawmakers don’t get started in  Baton Rouge until mid-April, and they don’t  finish up until mid-June

And the kratom industry, with $2 billion in sales and as many as 16 million users, has a lot to worry about with Senate Bill 154, being only a vote away from Gov. Jeffrey Landry’s desk.

The Louisiana Senate passed SB 154 earlier this month, 26 to 11.   It criminalizes the possession or distribution of kratom.   And it’s on the House’s third reading calendar as this is written. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)has called for more research on kratom. It reports that “kratom” commonly refers to an herbal substance that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects. Kratom and kratom-based products are currently legal and accessible in many areas, though U.S. and international agencies continue to review emerging evidence to inform kratom policy.

“While there are no uses for kratom approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, people report using kratom to manage drug withdrawal symptoms and cravings (especially related to opioid use), pain, fatigue, and mental health problems,” NIDA adds.

Louisiana has heard enough, although the kratom industry is conducting a “Red alert”  lobbying campaign to defeat SB 154 in the final hour.  “The threat of a ban on kratom is very real, and could spread to other states,” the industry action group sent in early May said.

If SB 154 becomes law in Louisiana, those convicted under the statute face sentences of not less than one year imprisonment, including hard labor, fines of up to $50,000, and years of imprisonment.   The aggregate weight of the kratom involved will determine the sentence.

SB 154 defines”kratom” as any substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree or any substance containing 13-hydroxymitragynine or mitragynine.  It makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly produce, manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess with intent to produce, manufacture, distribute, or dispense kratom.

A conviction for a small amount, 20 grams or less, will result in a fine of $100.

The Mayo Clinic calls kratom “unsafe and ineffective.’  Incidents that make the news also point in that direction.  In Florida on May 9th, a. Hernando High School teacher and football coach was arrested after allegedly providing a kratom-based herbal supplement to a 17-year-old student who a deputy sheriff found with a rapid pulse, shallow breathing, and hot to the touch. After a sternum rub, the student regained consciousness and stated he felt hot.

Other states have opted to regulate kratom by imposing age restrictions on its purchase or requiring it to be kept behind the counter.