Louisiana's 2025 kratom ban
Kratom is illegal in Louisiana. On August 1, 2025, a new state law took effect that classified kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance and "prohibited plant" (La. Stat. §§ 40:966.1, 40:964, 40:989.2). The law criminalized possession and superseded Louisiana's earlier age-21 regulatory regime — a notable hardening, since most 2025–26 legislative activity in other states moved toward regulation rather than prohibition.
With this change, Louisiana joined Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont, and Wisconsin as the states where all kratom was banned at the time. (In the same window, Rhode Island moved the other direction, repealing its ban effective April 1, 2026.)
The ban covers natural leaf, not just 7-OH
An important distinction: Louisiana scheduled the plant itself. Many recent state actions — and the FDA's federal posture — target only concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products while leaving natural-leaf kratom legal. Louisiana did not draw that line. Leaf powder, liquid extracts, gummies, and beverages are all prohibited under the Schedule I classification.
For the difference between natural-leaf kratom and concentrated 7-OH products, see our 7-OH explainer and mitragynine vs. 7-hydroxymitragynine guide.
Practical guidance for Louisiana residents
Kratom is illegal in Louisiana, and possession is a criminal offense (20 grams or less carries a $100 fine, with steeper penalties for larger amounts). Reputable vendors, including 4 Leaf Herbals, do not ship to Louisiana. Crossing state lines with kratom from a neighboring state does not make possession legal inside Louisiana.
Louisiana residents who want to see the classification changed can engage with the American Kratom Association's state advocacy program and contact their legislators.
For broader context
See our national kratom legality map for the full state-by-state picture, our FDA regulatory guide for the federal context, and our Kratom Consumer Protection Act explainer for how the states that regulate (rather than ban) kratom structure their laws.
Frequently Asked Questions about kratom in Louisiana
Is kratom legal in Louisiana in 2026?
No. Kratom is illegal in Louisiana. A law effective August 1, 2025 added kratom to Schedule I as a 'prohibited plant' and criminalized possession. This replaced Louisiana's earlier age-21 regulatory approach with a complete ban, making Louisiana one of nine U.S. states where all kratom is prohibited as of July 24, 2026.
When did Louisiana ban kratom?
Louisiana's full kratom ban took effect on August 1, 2025. The law (La. Stat. §§ 40:966.1, 40:964, 40:989.2) classified kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance and 'prohibited plant.' Before that, Louisiana had regulated kratom with an age-21 restriction rather than banning it.
What are the penalties for kratom possession in Louisiana?
Because kratom is now a Schedule I substance in Louisiana, possession is a criminal offense. Possession of 20 grams or less is punishable by a $100 fine, and larger quantities carry more serious penalties. Anyone facing kratom-related charges in Louisiana should consult an attorney — this article is educational content, not legal advice.
Does Louisiana's ban cover natural-leaf kratom or just 7-OH?
Louisiana's ban covers all kratom, including natural leaf. This is different from many 2025–26 laws (and from FDA's federal focus) that target only concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products while leaving natural leaf legal. Louisiana scheduled the plant itself, so leaf powder, extracts, and any kratom product are all prohibited.
Can I order kratom shipped to Louisiana?
No. Reputable kratom vendors do not ship to Louisiana because of the state-level ban, and shipping a Schedule I substance into the state creates legal exposure for both the recipient and the vendor. The 4 Leaf Herbals shop does not ship to Louisiana.
Are 4 Leaf Herbals products available in Louisiana?
No. We do not ship 4 Leaf Herbals products to Louisiana because kratom became illegal statewide on August 1, 2025. We comply with state-level kratom law, which means Louisiana residents cannot legally order our products unless the state's classification changes.