Is Kratom Legal in Louisiana? The 2025 Ban Explained
Last updated: July 2026 · Written by the Kingdom Kratom team
Quick answer: No — kratom is illegal in Louisiana. A 2025 law (SB 154, Act 41) placed both mitragynine and 7-OH on the state's Schedule I list, effective August 1, 2025. Unlike states that only restrict concentrated 7-OH, Louisiana banned kratom entirely — leaf included — so possession and sale both carry criminal penalties.
Louisiana is one of a small group of states where kratom is fully prohibited, and the ban is recent. If you're in Louisiana, here's exactly what the law says and how it fits into the national picture.
Is kratom legal in Louisiana right now?
No. With Senate Bill 154 (Act 41 of 2025), Louisiana added both of kratom's primary alkaloids — mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — to Schedule I of the state controlled-substances list. The ban took effect August 1, 2025, making Louisiana roughly the seventh state to prohibit kratom outright. This is a full ban, not a 7-OH-only restriction: it reaches natural leaf products too.
What are the penalties?
Because kratom is now a Schedule I substance in Louisiana, both possession and distribution are criminal:
- Possession under 20 grams — a fine (reported around $100).
- Possession over 20 grams — up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
- Distribution — one to five years and fines up to $50,000.
These are the general figures reported when the law took effect; anyone with a specific legal question should consult a Louisiana attorney.
Leaf vs. 7-OH — why Louisiana is different
Across most of the country in 2025-2026, the trend has been to restrict concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products while leaving natural kratom leaf legal. Louisiana went further and scheduled both compounds, which is why the leaf is caught by the ban here even though it isn't in states like Florida or Ohio.
The DEA's July 2026 7-OH decision (national context)
Federally, kratom leaf remains legal. On July 1, 2026, the DEA filed its intent to temporarily place concentrated and synthetic 7-OH into Schedule I, along with three related lab-made compounds (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16), with HHS's backing. The DEA was explicit that the action does not apply to natural kratom leaf below roughly 0.05% 7-OH by dry weight. So Louisiana's state ban is significantly broader than the federal action, which targets only the concentrate. Our 7-OH scheduling explainer covers the federal side.
How Louisiana compares to other states
Louisiana sits with the minority of full-ban states, alongside neighbors like Arkansas. That's the opposite of most of the region — Texas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi all keep natural leaf legal under various frameworks. See where every state stands in our state-by-state legality guides.
Can you buy kratom in Louisiana?
No — kratom can't be legally sold in Louisiana, and we do not ship there. If you'd like to see the ban reconsidered, advocacy is the path: the American Kratom Association tracks legislation and mobilizes consumers. It isn't hopeless, either — in 2026 Rhode Island became the first state ever to reverse a kratom ban.
Frequently asked questions
Is kratom legal in Louisiana in 2026?
No. Kratom has been illegal in Louisiana since August 1, 2025, when mitragynine and 7-OH were placed on Schedule I under Act 41.
Is it a felony to have kratom in Louisiana?
Simple possession carries fines and up to six months' jail depending on quantity; distribution can bring one to five years. Consult a Louisiana attorney for specifics.
Does the ban include natural kratom leaf?
Yes. Louisiana scheduled both mitragynine and 7-OH, so the ban covers natural leaf, not just concentrated 7-OH.
Can I get kratom shipped to Louisiana?
No. Kingdom Kratom does not ship to Louisiana because kratom is a controlled substance there.
This article is general information as of July 2026 and is not legal advice. Verify current Louisiana law before acting. Kingdom Kratom makes no health or therapeutic claims about kratom.
