In Louisiana, a controversial bill aimed at banning kratom is rapidly advancing through the legislative process, despite opposition from scientists and longtime kratom users. On April 29, the state’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted to move Senate Bill 154 forward, marking a significant step toward potential criminalization of the botanical substance.
SB154, introduced by State Senator Jay Morris, seeks to prohibit the sale and possession of kratom. While an amendment softened penalties for possessing under 14 grams—reducing punishment to a fine—the bill still places consumers and vendors at risk of legal repercussions. A closer look at Morris’s financial ties reveals a notable contribution from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, a strong advocate for kratom prohibition. Records show Morris received a total of $2,400 from the group in 2021 and 2023.
Louisiana’s approach to criminal justice raises concerns, particularly given its reliance on a for-profit prison system. The state incarcerates people at a staggering rate—second highest in the nation—with over 44,000 behind bars, double the national average. Unlike other states moving toward reduced sentences and rehabilitation efforts, Louisiana has leaned heavily on private and locally operated prisons. This reliance traces back to the early 1990s, when financial constraints led the state to encourage rural sheriffs to establish parish jails. With sheriffs paid per inmate housed, the model incentivizes keeping jail beds filled—a dynamic that intersects with bills like SB154.
Louisiana’s history with privatized incarceration dates back to 1844, when prisoners were leased as cheap factory labor. Today, critics argue that the system continues to prioritize financial interests over rehabilitation, with sentencing laws disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Strict punishments for offenses such as minor theft and possession of certain plants have fueled concerns over fairness in the legal system.
At the April 29 hearing on the kratom ban, Morris initially struggled to present a cohesive argument. However, after prohibitionists testified, he interrogated kratom experts, often mischaracterizing their statements. When presented with scientific evidence supporting kratom’s safety, Morris appeared indifferent, instead questioning the financial motives of the researchers. At several points, he engaged in separate conversations or distracted himself with his phone, showing little interest in testimonies opposing the bill.
Following the Judiciary Committee’s vote, SB154 advanced further in the Senate on April 30, with amendments adopted and the bill ordered for a final vote. As Louisiana edges closer to banning kratom, the intersection of political influence, privatized incarceration, and criminal justice policy remains under scrutiny.