In most states, now is the time to quit worrying because most state legislatures are wrapping up by now.  But in Louisiana, state lawmakers don’t get started in  Baton Rouge until mid-April, and they don’t  finish up until mid-June

And the kratom industry, with $2 billion in sales and as many as 16 million users, has a lot to worry about with Senate Bill 154, being only a vote away from Gov. Jeffrey Landry’s desk.

The Louisiana Senate passed SB 154 earlier this month, 26 to 11.   It criminalizes the possession or distribution of kratom.   And it’s on the House’s third reading calendar as this is written. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)has called for more research on kratom. It reports that “kratom” commonly refers to an herbal substance that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects. Kratom and kratom-based products are currently legal and accessible in many areas, though U.S. and international agencies continue to review emerging evidence to inform kratom policy.

“While there are no uses for kratom approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, people report using kratom to manage drug withdrawal symptoms and cravings (especially related to opioid use), pain, fatigue, and mental health problems,” NIDA adds.

Louisiana has heard enough, although the kratom industry is conducting a “Red Alert”  lobbying campaign to defeat SB 154 in the final hour.  “The threat of a ban on kratom is very real, and could spread to other states,” the industry action group sent in early May said.

If SB 154 become...