November 27, 2024

If you’re thinking about kratom products in Louisiana, here are some critical numbers to keep in mind – 14 and 231. What do they mean? They are House Bill 14 and Act 231, which attempted to ban kratom across the state in 2023. Despite the fundamental differences between the two bills, each of them would schedule kratom and make it illegal. Did they pass? Where do they stand now? What is the current status as of 2024?

House Bill 14

State Rep. Michael Firment pre-filed HB14 in February 2023 with co-sponsor Rep. Kathy Edmonston. The bill would allow lawmakers to deem kratom a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Dangerous Substances law. It would also add kratom’s main psychoactive compounds, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, to the scheduled list. If passed, this would essentially make kratom illegal across the state and unavailable in various stores like it is now.

According to CenLaNow, Rep. Firment’s bill would “repeal the crime of unlawful distribution of products containing Mitragyna speciosa to minors.” Firment believes kratom is a statewide problem and should be banned. When questioned, the state rep decided that regulating kratom in Louisiana wasn’t enough and should be illegal instead.

Act 231

On the other hand, Act 231 would only make kratom a Schedule 1 substance if and when the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) deems it illegal. Unlike HB14, lawmakers designed it as a more proactive bill that only took effect when necessary. If passed, the bill would keep kratom out of the hands of Louisiana residents.

What do kratom supporters in Louisiana have to say?

Kratom supporters in Louisiana aren’t afraid to speak out loud and express themselves. They have strongly disagreed with both bills, saying they are unfair and unfounded. Many believe lawmakers have based them on disinformation instead of facts. Like many other laws against kratom, supporters feel lawmakers should regulate it instead of outright prohibiting it.

What do kratom opponents in Louisiana have to say?

However, kratom opponents in Louisiana think both laws are long overdue. They have constantly demanded that lawmakers take a stricter stance against kratom. While some want kratom outright banned, others want more done to keep it out of the hands of minors. Many believe kratom is still relatively unknown and want researchers, lawmakers, law enforcement, and others to study it more closely.

What is next for kratom in Louisiana?

While there was plenty of speculation on both sides as to the future of kratom, it remains as is since neither bill has progressed as of 2024. Kratom remains legal in the state despite bans in specific cities and counties. Although that’s the case, there’s always a chance that other lawmakers could author future bills that could put kratom into limbo once again.

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