1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

I write to you today as a concerned constituent and advocate for compassionate, evidence-based policy to respectfully urge you to oppose any legislation that seeks to ban Kratom outright in Louisiana. Instead, I strongly encourage you to support the regulation of Kratom sales in a manner that ensures safety, transparency, and consumer protection. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a plant native to Southeast Asia, has been used safely for centuries to alleviate symptoms of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Here in the United States—including in our own state—thousands of individuals use Kratom as a natural supplement to manage both physical and mental health challenges. For many, it has been a lifeline: offering relief where traditional pharmaceuticals have failed or caused adverse side effects. It is particularly notable that many individuals use Kratom to wean off opioids, making it a potential ally in addressing Louisiana’s ongoing substance abuse crisis. A full ban on Kratom would not only criminalize responsible adults who rely on this plant for daily wellbeing, but it would also push distribution into unregulated and unsafe channels. Rather than eliminate risks, prohibition increases them—inviting dangerous adulterants, black-market sales, and lack of quality control. Instead, the state should implement clear regulatory measures, including: Age restrictions to prevent access by minors Mandatory labeling of ingredients and alkaloid content Prohibitions on adulterated or synthetic Kratom products Quality testing and product registration Retail licensing requirements This approach is already being successfully implemented in several other states through "Kratom Consumer Protection Acts" and could serve as a model for Louisiana. Regulation would allow the state to oversee the sale of Kratom responsibly while protecting public health and supporting individuals who rely on it for legitimate medical and emotional needs. I ask that you listen to the experiences of everyday Louisianans who are finding relief, stability, and hope through Kratom—not through anecdote alone, but also through growing scientific studies and policy reforms around the country. Let us not repeat the mistakes of reactive prohibition. Instead, let us lead with reason, regulation, and care. Thank you for your time and service to our state.