Latest Developments on Kratom Legislation in Louisiana – May 2023

Louisiana Kratom Legislation Update – May 2023

Dear Capitol Botanicals Customers,

As a trusted vendor of quality kratom products, we want to provide you with the latest update on important kratom legislation in Louisiana. This update is intended to give you informative, original reporting and analysis so you can understand the current status of legislative efforts related to consumer access to kratom in Louisiana.

Background on Kratom Consumer Protection Act

On May 25, 2023, the Louisiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 655, known as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation was introduced by Rep. Mark Wright. [1]

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act would require kratom products sold in Louisiana to follow Good Manufacturing Practices and conform to specific product standards. It provides a regulatory framework, listing kratom alkaloid content limits and packaging and labeling requirements. The act prohibits the sale of adulterated or contaminated kratom products. [2]

Passage of HB655 in the House was an important milestone. The bill seeks to protect consumers by regulating the kratom industry, while still preserving access to this beneficial botanical.

Senate Committee Hearing on HB655 on May 30

The next step for HB655 is consideration by the Louisiana Senate Health and Welfare Committee on May 30, 2023. This committee hearing will involve expert testimony and review of the proposed legislation. [3]

The American Kratom Association (AKA) has shared that advocate support is critically needed right now. The AKA has an online form where you can contact the Senate Committee members to share your perspective on why it is important to pass HB655.

I encourage you to take a moment to complete the AKA form in support of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Your advocacy makes a real difference.

Concerning Ban Bill Passed in Louisiana Senate

However, there is also an opposing bill seeking to ban kratom that has advanced in the legislature.

On May 22, 2023, the Louisiana Senate passed Senate Bill 234, which would criminalize the use and possession of kratom statewide. This blanket ban bill is now awaiting committee consideration in the House.

The AKA has shared that the House Criminal Justice Committee will likely meet on May 31 to begin discussing the Senate ban bill. It is vital that the committee members hear how detrimental an outright kratom ban would be.

Please also take a moment to use the AKA’s second advocacy form expressing your opposition to the Senate ban bill. Share your perspective on why kratom should remain legally accessible to responsible consumers in Louisiana.

Kratom’s Benefits and Safety Profile

Having covered the legislative specifics, I want to take a moment to reinforce why we firmly believe kratom should remain available to consumers.

Extensive research has shown kratom provides many beneficial properties as a botanical supplement. When responsibly used, kratom can increase focus, energy, and motivation. It can also help relieve chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid withdrawal. [4]

The alkaloids in the kratom leaf act on opioid receptors in the brain to provide these effects. However, published research has confirmed kratom has a favorable safety profile and low potential for addiction or abuse.

For instance, a 2021 pharmacology study concluded: “Although mitragynine binds to opioid receptors, its low potency, low intrinsic activity, and poor oral bioavailability all limit the abuse potential of kratom.” [5]

Why Kratom Access Matters

There are thousands of responsible kratom consumers in Louisiana and millions nationwide who have experienced profound benefits from this safe botanical. Kratom has changed their lives for the better.

As just one example, a peer-reviewed 2021 survey of nearly 3,000 kratom users found: [6]

• 64% agreed kratom helped them reduce prescription opioids.
• 66% agreed kratom helped reduce their opioid withdrawal symptoms.
• 83% reported improvements in mental health from kratom use.
• 73% said kratom relieved chronic pain effectively.

These consumer experiences reveal why preserving legal, regulated kratom access is so important. For many, kratom is vastly safer and more beneficial than prescription painkillers and antidepressants.

Commitment to Product Quality and Consumer Safety

At Capitol Botanicals, the quality and purity of our kratom products is our top priority. We adhere to strict good manufacturing practices and lab test all products to verify their integrity.

We are fully aligned with the consumer protections outlined in HB655. Responsible regulation will help ensure the kratom supply chain provides consistently safe products to consumers.

However, an outright ban would drive the kratom market underground and make consumers rely on unregulated, untested products. It would cut off access to a beneficial botanical and do nothing to protect public health or safety.

Please Make Your Voice Heard

I appreciate you taking the time to stay updated on the fast-moving kratom legislative situation in Louisiana. Now is the critical window where consumer voices can sway the outcome.

Please consider using the AKA advocacy forms to contact lawmakers reviewing both HB655 and the Senate ban bill. Share your personal perspective on what maintaining legal, regulated kratom access means for your life.

At Capitol Botanicals, our mission is improving lives through the benefits of natural plants. We will continue working hard to preserve consumer access to kratom’s advantages. Thank you for your support and advocacy efforts.

Sources:

[1] http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=22RS&b=HB655&sbi=y

[2] https://speciosa.org/louisiana-house-passes-kratom-consumer-protection-act/

[3] https://www.myarklamiss.com/louisiana/kratom-regulation-bill-passes-louisiana-house-moves-to-senate/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657101/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8248252/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8140440/