December 7, 2022

There might be yet another kratom ban on the horizon in Louisiana. This time, it’s in Livingston Parish. Since the beginning of 2023, the ordinance committee has discussed everything from regulation to a ban. As everything stands now, the council is leaning towards banning the plant throughout the parish. There are a few things to know about this possible kratom ban in Livingston Parish.
Regulation Talk
In mid-January, Livingston Parish council reserved a portion of its meeting to discuss kratom. According to Kratom Science, one councilman described it as a “fact-finding mission” to learn more about kratom. It also allowed members to decide whether the council needed to regulate kratom differently. The meeting lasted about 45 minutes and included input from residents, kratom vendors, and Ryan Burroughs, the executive director at the American Kratom Association.
Burroughs read from a prepared statement, which included input from senior members at the World Health Organization and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. He urged council members to look more closely at the science of kratom. As a result, he asked the council to regulate kratom rather than ban it outright. Burroughs also offered to meet with members to devise their version of a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which other cities states have done. 
While the meeting agenda used the phrase “kratom prohibition ordinance,” one councilman stated he was willing to pass regulations to ensure residents are allowed to use kratom responsibly. He also said most of the council favored regulating kratom, not banning it. 
More Serious Talk 
Only two weeks later, more serious talk emerged, and the b-word resurfaced—ban. On January 31, with little to no notification, the ordinance committee gathered to discuss potentially banning kratom. Several members who previously favored regulation were now for criminalizing it. The entire council seemed split on a decision, with some wanting to outlaw it and others wanting more factual information about kratom. 
Even though there wasn’t much notice about the meeting, kratom supporters, including vendors and the AKA, showed up. They gave passionate speeches about the benefits of kratom. They also discussed how kratom is often misunderstood due to rampant misinformation.
However, Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard supported a ban, and as a powerful voice, his opinion carries a lot of weight. Consequently, other officers voiced their support for removing products from the parish. 
On the other hand, supporters said these officers are ill-informed and have the wrong idea about kratom. Things got a bit contentious, but the council said they would look into everything to make its decision. As of now, there is no clear word on the future of kratom in Livingston Parish. 
World-Class Kratom 
As we wait to see what happens in Livingston Parish, you never have to wait to get your hands on high-quality kratom, thanks to Kratom Kaps. We offer an array of products that are thoroughly tested and contain only premium kratom to ensure a world-class experience. If you want to learn more about Kratom Kaps and what we have to offer, please visit our website.
Sources: 
https://www.kratomscience.com/2023/01/13/livingston-parish-council-agrees-to-closer-look-at-kratom-after-vendors-aka-speak-at-ban-ordinance-meeting/
https://www.kratomscience.com/2023/02/01/livingston-parish-ordinance-committee-now-leans-toward-kratom-ban-sheriff-tied-to-rehab-speaks/