American Kratom Association disputes FDA's stance on kratom safety in legislative session

The House Criminal Justice Committee of the Louisiana Legislature convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss the regulation of kratom, a botanical substance that has sparked significant debate regarding its safety and legality. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including representatives from the American Kratom Association and the American Creative Association, who provided insights into the ongoing issues surrounding kratom products.

The session began with inquiries into the number of lawsuits filed against rogue kratom products. A representative from the American Creative Association noted that over a hundred petitions had been submitted to the FDA regarding misbranded products, but expressed frustration over the FDA's lack of action. In contrast, Mac Haddow from the American Kratom Association stated that his organization had filed more than 100 reports to the FDA concerning poorly labeled kratom products, asserting that the FDA does regulate kratom as a botanical supplement, albeit not as aggressively as desired.

Haddow emphasized that the real danger lies in synthetic versions of kratom, particularly 7-hydroxymitragynine, which can be significantly more potent than the natural form. He argued that these synthetic products are responsible for adverse health effects and fatalities, and called for a ban on these substances while advocating for further study of natural kratom.

The discussion also touched on the findings of the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), which reported potential health risks associated with kratom, including severe symptoms and even death. Committee members expressed concern about the quality of kratom products available on the market, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing safe products from harmful ones.

As the meeting progressed, representatives debated the implications of Senate Bill 154, which seeks to classify kratom and its derivatives as prohibited substances. Critics of the bill argued that it does not meet the necessary criteria for scheduling and could hinder access to safe kratom products.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions underscored the complexities surrounding kratom regulation, balancing public health concerns with the need for safe access to the substance. The committee plans to continue examining the evidence and stakeholder testimonies as they consider the future of kratom legislation in Louisiana.