SB 154 Louisiana Senate · 2025 Regular Session

AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES: Criminalizes the possession or distribution of kratom. (8/1/25)

SB 154 criminalizes the possession, distribution, and manufacture of kratom by classifying its active compounds (7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine) as Schedule I controlled substances. It directly affects individuals who use or distribute kratom products, with limited exceptions for medical prescriptions under specific state law. The bill imposes fines and prison terms ranging from up to 3 years for small amounts to up to 5 years for larger quantities, while allowing possession of small amounts (under 20 grams) to be punished by fines only. It replaces previous exemptions for kratom and defines "kratom" broadly to include any substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant or containing its active compounds. The law takes effect on August 1, 2025.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Apr 2025

Committee Review

May 2025

Senate Passage

May 2025

House Passage

May 2025

Signed into Law

Jun 2025

Introduced Apr 4, 2025 Signed Jun 4, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

SB154 Original → SB154 Act · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill significantly broadens the definition of controlled substances to include kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and tianeptine, moving them into Schedule I. It replaces the previous law that only criminalized distribution to minors with a blanket ban on the possession, production, and distribution of these substances for people of all ages. The penalties are now tiered based on the amount possessed, ranging from a small fine for minor amounts to significant prison time for larger quantities.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of criminal liability from only distributing kratom to minors to prohibiting the possession, production, and distribution of kratom and tianeptine for individuals of any age.

DEFINITION

Added 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine to the list of controlled substances in Schedule I, alongside tianeptine.

Defined 'kratom' as any substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree or containing specific active compounds.

ENFORCEMENT

Criminalized the possession, production, manufacture, and distribution of kratom for all individuals, removing the previous age-based restriction.

Established new penalty tiers based on weight: fines for less than 500 grams, up to 3 years in prison for 500 grams or more, and specific jail terms for possession of 20 grams or less.

Repealed the previous law that only made it a crime to distribute kratom products to persons under the age of 18.

Floor votes · Senate May 6, 2025 · House May 27, 2025

How they voted

25–11

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 37

May 6, 2025

D Democratic11

11 Nay

100% Nay

R Republican26

25 Yea 1

96% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 27, 2025

Lower · Passed

Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 89, nays 5. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

lower

May 15, 2025

Introduced

Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments.

lower

May 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported favorably (10-1). Referred to the Legislative Bureau.

lower

May 7, 2025

Committee

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.

lower

May 6, 2025

Upper · Passed

Read by title, passed by a vote of 26 yeas and 11 nays, and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

upper

Apr 29, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported with amendments.

upper

Apr 14, 2025

Committee

Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary C.

upper

1 primary · 44 co-sponsors