Louisiana Adds Three Kratom Substances to Schedule I

The state health department has classified three kratom-related compounds as Schedule I controlled substances.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Louisiana Adds Three Kratom Substances to Schedule I

Live Poll

Should states ban substances commonly found in herbal supplements like kratom?

The Louisiana Department of Health has issued an emergency rule adding three substances related to mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine to the state's Schedule I controlled substances list. Officials cited imminent peril to public welfare as the primary driver for the move.

Why it matters

The decision places these compounds in the most restrictive category for controlled substances, which is reserved for drugs with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. Authorities implemented the change to mitigate significant health risks including respiratory depression and physical dependence.

The Louisiana Department of Health added 3 substances to its Schedule I list via emergency rule. These mu-opioid receptor agonists are now legally classified as having high potential for abuse with no currently accepted medical use.

The players

Louisiana Department of Health

This state agency is responsible for protecting and promoting the health and well-being of all Louisiana residents.

The details

Louisiana law authorizes the secretary of the health department to bypass standard rulemaking procedures when an imminent threat to public safety exists. These specific substances act as mu-opioid receptor agonists, which can lead to severe health outcomes such as respiratory depression and potential dependency.

October 19, 2026: The Louisiana Department of Health issued the emergency rule.

Health Landscape

This action reflects an ongoing effort to manage the state's controlled dangerous substances list by classifying substances based on emerging safety threats. It marks a tightening of regulatory control over mu-opioid receptor agonists to align with state-level public safety standards.

Residents should be aware that these substances are now prohibited in the state due to their classification as high-risk, non-medical drugs. This legal change may impact the availability of products previously sold or utilized, as they are now subject to the strictest state-level controlled substance regulations.

The takeaway

The state's move classifies these substances as high-risk compounds with no recognized medical utility in Louisiana. Individuals should be aware that the regulatory landscape for kratom-related products is subject to immediate change based on emerging public health data.