In a recent development, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury has passed an ordinance banning the sale and distribution of Kratom, a controversial herbal supplement, in the unincorporated areas of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.
The ban is set to take effect on December 1, 2024
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is an herbal extract derived from the leaves of an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Users claim it can boost energy, improve mood, relieve pain, and help with opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, the supplement has been a subject of debate due to its potential risks and lack of FDA approval for any medical use.
The ordinance cites health risks associated with Kratom products, including the potential for addiction and the presence of harmful contaminants, as reasons for the ban.
This decision aligns with a recent Louisiana state law (Act No. 416) that prohibits the sale of Kratom to individuals under 21 and allows local governments to enact their own restrictions.
Juror Michael Thompson was the sole dissenting voice on the Police Jury. He argued that Kratom is not banned by the FDA or classified as a controlled dangerous substance.
Thompson also pointed out that the state has previously considered but decided against banning Kratom, instead opting to allow parishes to make their own rules.
Thompson said Tuesday, that the initial ordinance bans the sale, but he fears that up the road it will be illegal to use and the poor, vulnerable and minority will then be subjected to an increased risk of more arrests. Proponents of Kratom argue that it can be beneficial for pain management and assisting those attempting to overcome opioid addiction. However, the FDA has warned against its use due to potential harm, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies it as a “drug of concern,” but did not make it illegal.
The ban has faced opposition from local business leaders, who claim that Kratom sales generate significant tax revenue for the parish. They argued that the ban will result in lost revenue for Ouachita Parish, as the sale of Kratom will remain legal in neighboring municipalities like Monroe, West Monroe, Calhoun, Sterlington, and Richwood.
It’s important to note that while the ordinance prohibits the sale and distribution of Kratom, it does not criminalize its possession or use.
Ouachita Parish Sheriff Marc MaShaw stated that violators of the ordinance would receive citations rather than face arrest.
