WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 154

AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES: Criminalizes the possession or distribution of kratom. (8/1/25)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 44 co-sponsors

Louisiana criminalizes kratom possession and distribution starting August 1, 2025, making the plant substance illegal despite federal legality and widespread use for pain management.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 41.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 154

Legislative bill overview

SB 154 criminalizes the possession and distribution of kratom in Louisiana, effective August 1, 2025. The bill has been signed into law and is now Act No. 41. This makes Louisiana one of the few U.S. states to implement a complete prohibition on the plant substance.

Why is this important

Kratom is currently legal at the federal level and in most states, with millions of American users consuming it for pain management, energy, and opioid withdrawal support. This law creates criminal liability for current kratom users and vendors in Louisiana, potentially affecting local businesses and individuals who were operating legally under previous state law. It also represents a significant policy shift that diverges from the federal regulatory approach and most other states' positions.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical access concerns: Users rely on kratom for chronic pain and opioid dependence management; criminalization may restrict access to a substance many consider a safer alternative to prescription opioids
  • Enforcement burden and incarceration costs: Criminalizing possession creates new enforcement obligations and potential incarceration expenses for state and local law enforcement without clear public safety justification
  • Regulatory inconsistency: The federal government and DEA have not scheduled kratom as a controlled substance, creating a conflict between state and federal law that could complicate prosecution and business regulation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.