Kratom is illegal in Louisiana as of 2026. The state adopted a full statewide ban through Senate Bill 154, making possession, sale, and distribution criminal offenses for all kratom products.
Overview of Louisiana’s Kratom Ban
Louisiana previously allowed kratom with some parish‑level restrictions, but SB 154 (Act No. 41) changed that by placing kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine, into the state’s Schedule I list of controlled dangerous substances. Once scheduled, kratom is treated similarly to other high‑risk illegal drugs, meaning any handling of it outside very narrow legal channels is prohibited.
The law applies to all forms of kratom, including raw leaf, powder, capsules, extracts, shots, beverages, and any product marketed as containing kratom or its alkaloids. Online purchases shipped into Louisiana are covered as well, so buying from out‑of‑state vendors does not avoid liability.
Is 7oh legal in Louisiana?
No. 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH), one of kratom’s primary alkaloids, is illegal in Louisiana.
Under Senate Bill 154 (Act No. 41), Louisiana specifically names both mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine and places them in Schedule I of the state’s controlled dangerous substances list. Once they were scheduled, any product containing 7‑OH, whether as part of natural kratom or as a concentrated or synthetic formulation, became contraband, and it is now a crime to possess, sell, distribute, or manufacture it anywhere in the state.
State advisories from the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control explicitly describe 7‑hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine together as “kratom” and warn that possession or distribution of these substances is prohibited and subject to criminal penalties after the August 1, 2025 effective date.
When Did SB 154 Become Law and Who Sponsored It?
Senate Bill 154 was introduced in the 2025 Regular Session and moved quickly through the legislature. It was sponsored in the Senate by lawmakers responding to concerns from health officials and law enforcement about kratom‑related hospitalizations and its sale in gas stations and convenience stores.
The bill passed both chambers by wide margins and was signed by Governor Jeff Landry on June 4, 2025. The statute set an effective date of August 1, 2025, giving retailers a brief phase‑out period to clear inventory before the ban and new penalties took effect statewide.
How Does Louisiana Classify Kratom Under Controlled Substances?
Under SB 154, mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine are listed in Schedule I of Louisiana’s Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. Schedule I is reserved for substances deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, placing kratom’s alkaloids in the same general category as drugs like heroin and LSD under state law.
This scheduling means that any kratom product containing these alkaloids is considered a controlled dangerous substance. Manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or possessing such a substance outside of narrow legal exceptions is a crime, and kratom products are treated as contraband subject to seizure.
What Penalties Does Louisiana SB 154 Impose for Possession?
Because kratom’s alkaloids are now Schedule I, possession of kratom can be charged similarly to possession of other controlled dangerous substances. Simple possession for personal use can result in criminal charges that may include jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record; the exact penalty depends on the amount possessed and the defendant’s prior record.
More serious penalties apply when there is evidence of intent to distribute, sell, or traffic kratom. Legal analyses note that distribution‑level offenses can rise to felony status, with potential sentences up to several years in prison and substantial fines, especially if sales occur near schools or involve minors. Even first‑time offenders may face significant consequences, since Schedule I classification signals that the state treats kratom as a serious drug offense rather than a minor infraction.
Are There Any Exemptions for Medical or Research Use in Louisiana?
SB 154 and related controlled‑substance provisions do not create a clear, practical exemption for ordinary medical or personal therapeutic use of kratom. Unlike cannabis, where some states carve out medical programs, Louisiana’s kratom law does not authorize physicians to recommend kratom or pharmacies to dispense it legally.
Theoretically, highly controlled scientific or pharmaceutical research involving Schedule I substances can occur under strict federal and state licensing, but this is limited to specialized institutions and is not an avenue for consumer access. For all practical purposes, there is no medical or personal‑use exception: possession for self‑treatment is treated the same as any other non‑authorized possession.
What Enforcement Actions Have Started Since August 1, 2025?
Once the law took effect on August 1, 2025, Louisiana agencies began publicizing and enforcing the new rules. State revenue and public‑safety departments issued notices reminding retailers that selling kratom was now illegal and warning of “new penalties for kratom” in effect as of that date. Gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores were instructed to remove all kratom products from their shelves or face enforcement actions.
Early enforcement has focused on inspections of retail outlets and seizure of remaining kratom inventory, particularly in high‑traffic urban areas like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport. Reports also describe investigations into online sellers shipping to Louisiana addresses, with authorities emphasizing that mail‑order kratom is subject to the same ban and can trigger charges once delivered in‑state. These actions signal that Louisiana intends to actively enforce the kratom ban rather than leaving it dormant.
Practical Takeaways for Residents and Visitors
For anyone in Louisiana, kratom now carries the same legal risks as other Schedule I controlled substances under state law. Residents should not possess, purchase, or order kratom products, and visitors traveling through the state should ensure they do not carry kratom in vehicles, luggage, or personal bags while within Louisiana’s borders, even if it was bought legally elsewhere.
Because SB 154 is newly in force and there are no active repeal or reversal bills moving through the legislature, the safest approach is to treat all kratom products as fully prohibited in Louisiana and to look to legal alternatives for any intended use.