READER’S VIEW: Regulating kratom is a public health necessity

READER’S VIEW: Regulating kratom is a public health necessity

Until recently, I had never heard of kratom, and most people I had spoken with hadn’t either. What started as one heartbreaking story — the son of a former neighbor who died in his 20s from aspirating on his own vomit (a kratom-related side effect) — turned into meeting other families grieving nearly identical losses. These tragedies made it impossible for me to ignore kratom’s very real dangers. Scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, a tre…

Livingston Parish debates banning or regulating kratom — while state lawmakers do the same

Livingston Parish Council introduced an ordinance to prohibit the sale of kratom, a controversial herbal substance, but after a lengthy debate, sent it back to the drawing board to potentially introduce regulations on selling kratom instead of the original outright ban.

Kratom to be 21+ in Mississippi

Gov. Tate Reeves signed a bill into law Thursday to limit kratom purchases to people 21 and older and outlaw more potent forms of the herbal substance in Mississippi.  The law will take effect July 1.

Kratom supplement could be banned by lawmakers

BATON ROUGE - State lawmakers are at odds over what to do about a substance some say is a safe alternative to painkillers, but as one woman detailed, kratom left her with unexpected health issues.Kratom is banned in Ascension and Tangipahoa Parishes, but it can be purchased at many smoke shops, herbal stores or gas stations.That's where Nicole Scroggins says she picked Kratom up for the first time. Scroggins is a hairstylist. Years of standing f…

Louisiana SB 154 Would Ban Kratom and Punish the People Who Rely on It Most

Louisiana lawmakers are once again trying to ban kratom. Here’s why this bill is dangerous, hypocritical, and an attack on your personal freedom.