As federal regulators and state lawmakers scrutinize kratom, Louisiana has emerged as a focal point in the debate over its safety and legality. In Episode 9 of Stories From the States, reporters from the Louisiana Illuminator examine how concerns raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration influenced lawmakers to pursue a statewide ban. The episode features insight from Louisiana Illuminator editor Greg LaRose and was produced in partnership with Stories From The States is a weekly podcast from States Newsroom that explores, through personal stories, how people and communities across America are being affected by government decisions. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
State lawmakers have taken the lead on regulating kratom. The controversial herbal supplement is often used for pain relief, anxiety and opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Last summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pushed to ban 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH, saying it posed serious health risks and should be classified as a controlled substance with heroin and LSD.
In Louisiana, legislators initiated a statewide ban on kratom because of that ingredient.
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Kratom in Apopka and Orange County
In Apopka and across Orange County, kratom occupies a largely unregulated gray area, with the herbal supplement widely available at smoke shops, convenience stores, and specialty wellness retailers despite growing concerns from state and federal regulators. Local health officials have noted an increase in questions and complaints related to kratom use, particularly as it is often marketed for pain relief, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal without FDA approval or standardized dosing. As states like Louisiana and Ohio move toward bans or emergency restrictions, any future action by Florida lawmakers could have direct implications for local businesses and consumers in Apopka—potentially reshaping what products can be sold, how they are labeled, and whether age or potency limits are imposed across Orange County.
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In Episode 9, we’ll hear from our States Newsroom colleagues at the Louisiana Illuminator. For their podcast, The Light Switch, they took a deep dive into kratom as Louisiana lawmakers debated a ban in 2025.
Louisiana Illuminator editor Greg LaRose will help us understand both sides of the kratom discussion. This was done in partnership with WWNO, New Orleans Public Radio station.
Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer. A special thank you to Greg LaRose from the Louisiana Illuminator and WWNO, New Orleans Public Radio.
Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners:
This podcast is produced by States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network that includes Florida Phoenix, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501 (c) (3) public charity.
Key Points:
- State legislatures are taking the lead on kratom regulation amid limited federal action.
- The FDA has pushed to ban 7-hydroxymitragynine, citing serious health risks.
- Louisiana lawmakers debated a statewide kratom ban in 2025 tied to the 7-OH ingredient.
- The issue is explored in Episode 9 of Stories From the States, produced by States Newsroom.
- Related kratom bans and emergency rules are under consideration or in effect in Utah, Ohio, and Missouri.
