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An effort to ban the sale of kratom has cleared its first hurdle. The Senate’s Judiciary C Committee approved Monroe Senator Jay Morris’s bill that would make it a crime to possess and distribute Kratom, which acts like a stimulant in low does and as a sedative in high doses.
“The bill is designed to protect the public and its citizens, and the families of Louisiana, from a substance that has caused untold damage to families and to individuals,” Morris explained.
Doctors say you can get addicted to kratom and it can lead to psychotic symptoms. David Lebrano supports the bill and spoke to the dangers of the drug. Lebrano’s son died from an apparent kratom overdose, and he hopes to prevent others from experiencing this pain.
“The drug is horrible, and it is available to anyone who can purchase it. All you need as money. Any gas station, headshops, anywhere,” Lebrano said.
But several people testified against the legislation, including Wednesday ForestBear, who uses kratom to manage pain as she suffers from a spinal disorder that causes excruciating pain.
“And that’s why I am so urging you to please, please do not ban this, regulate,” ForestBear said.
There are bills filed in this regular session that seek regulations on kratom, which is not approved for medical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Another opponent of the bill is Adam Peak, the owner of Bella Sunrise Smoke Shop. He says kratom has been a net positive, helping with overcoming addiction to other drugs and alcohol.
“Most of my customers, if any, come in anecdotally telling me they use it to get off of alcohol, suboxone, methadone. It’s very rare if ever I’ve heard someone come into my store with an issue of kratom,” Peak said.
The measure heads to the full senate for more discussion.
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