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Ouachita Parish panel introduces ordinance to ban sale of kratom in unincorporated parish
Summary
The Ouachita Parish Police Jury introduced Ordinance No. 9500 on Oct. 7, 2024, to prohibit sale or distribution of mitragynine speciosa (kratom) in unincorporated areas, citing state law that permits local option; the ordinance sets penalties and an effective date of Dec. 1, 2024.
Mrs. Toni Bacon introduced Ordinance No. 9500 at the Oct. 7 Police Jury meeting to prohibit the sale or distribution of products containing mitragynine speciosa, commonly referred to in the text as “kratom,” in the parish’s unincorporated area. Bacon said the measure was adopted in consideration of health risks and the potential for addiction and contaminants cited in the ordinance’s recital.
The ordinance cites Louisiana Act No. 416 (2023) and specifically references La. R.S. 14:91.10 and La. R.S. 40:1300.51 et seq. as authorizing local governments to adopt a local option prohibiting the product. Under the proposed local ordinance, anyone selling or distributing a product containing mitragynine or 7‑hydroxymitragynine would face a fine of up to $500, imprisonment up to six months, or both. The ordinance also authorizes revocation of a business license for second or subsequent violations affecting licensed vendors in the unincorporated area.
The ordinance text sets Dec. 1, 2024, as the effective date. The Jury introduced the ordinance for consideration; the minutes do not record a final adoption vote during this meeting. The measure was presented amid routine business and will return for further action under the Police Jury’s ordinance process.
Authorities referenced in the ordinance are recorded in the meeting minutes as La. R.S. 14:91.10 and La. R.S. 40:1300.51 et seq.; the article limits legal claims to those citations as presented during the meeting.
