Status Indicators
- BANNED statewide as of August 1, 2025
- SB 154 (Act 41) classifies kratom alkaloids as Schedule I controlled substances
- Possession, sale, manufacturing, and distribution all illegal
- Prior age-restriction framework (HB 19, 2022) repealed and replaced
At a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Banned |
| Age Limit | N/A (banned) |
| Regulated | No |
| Controlled Substance | Yes (Schedule I) |
| Last Policy Change | August 1, 2025 (SB 154 effective) |
Understanding Federal vs. State Law
Kratom is federally unscheduled, but Louisiana has classified it as a Schedule I controlled substance at the state level. Federal law does not preempt state controlled-substance schedules. Kratom is illegal in Louisiana regardless of federal status.
KCPA Section
Not applicable. Louisiana banned kratom outright via SB 154 rather than enacting consumer protection regulation. The earlier age-restriction framework (HB 19, 2022) has been superseded by the Schedule I classification.
Penalties
Penalties scale with quantity under SB 154:
- Possession under 20 grams: fine up to $100
- Possession over 20 grams (first offense): fine up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail
- Manufacturing or distribution under 500 grams: fine up to $50,000 and 1, 3 years imprisonment
- Manufacturing or distribution of 500 grams or more: 1, 5 years imprisonment with higher fines
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 | HB 19 signed. Louisiana enacts 18+ age restriction on kratom sales |
| June 4, 2025 | Governor Jeff Landry signs SB 154 (Act 41) classifying kratom alkaloids as Schedule I |
| August 1, 2025 | SB 154 takes effect. Kratom becomes illegal statewide |
Buying & Shipping to Louisiana
Shipping kratom to Louisiana is illegal. Vendors should exclude Louisiana from shipping destinations. Possession by a Louisiana resident triggers state criminal penalties even if the product was purchased legally in another state.
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Q: Can I fly into Louisiana with kratom?
A: No. Kratom is a Schedule I controlled substance in Louisiana as of August 1, 2025. Carrying kratom into the state, regardless of where it was purchased, exposes the traveler to state criminal penalties.
Q: Is kratom a controlled substance in Louisiana?
A: Yes. SB 154 (Act 41, 2025) classifies mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I controlled substances under Louisiana’s Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law.
Q: What age do you need to be to buy kratom in Louisiana?
A: There is no legal age. Kratom cannot be sold to anyone in Louisiana since the August 1, 2025 ban.
Q: Can I drive through Louisiana with kratom?
A: No. Possession in any Louisiana parish carries state criminal penalties. Travelers should ship kratom to a destination outside the state rather than transit through it.
Q: Where can I buy kratom in Louisiana?
A: Nowhere legally. Retailers were required to pull kratom products from shelves before August 1, 2025.
Sources
- legiscan.com/LA/bill/SB154/2025, LegiScan record for Louisiana SB 154 (2025 Regular Session), signing and bill text
- revenue.louisiana.gov/news-and-announcements/2025/new-penalties-for-kratom-in-effect-aug-1/, Louisiana Department of Revenue official announcement of August 1, 2025 effective date and penalties
- www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1404179, Louisiana Legislature ORIGINAL bill text (SLS 25RS-373)
- hkgclaw.com/practice-areas/personal-injury/dangerous-products/kratom/louisiana-legislature-passes-kratom-ban-amid-growing-health-and-legal-concerns/, HKGC New Orleans summary of Schedule I classification and penalty tiers
- neworleans.legalexaminer.com/jcain/dangerous-products/louisianas-kratom-ban-signed-into-law-what-happens-next/, Legal Examiner coverage of Governor Landry’s signing on June 4, 2025
- www.kratomscience.com/2025/06/06/louisiana-bans-kratom-world-incarceration-leader-criminalizes-325000-more-citizens/, Kratom Science reporting on bill signing and impact
