In a Report of Fox News, Louisiana, The Center of Disease Control and Protection (CDC) says more deaths in the US are linked to a Herbal Supplement, pointing towards Kratom.
After research on the cause of these deaths, the CDC reported that “Kratom was detected in combination with other substances in the deaths that occurred due to overdose or substance misuse.”
After this, American Kratom Association (AKA) agreed with the CDC report, and said, “it’s appropriate to take crucial steps to regulate the ban of adulterated kratom, and proper labelling of kratom to assure consumers about what they are buying.”
Further, postmortem toxicology testing confirmed fentanyl and its analogs in Kratom related deaths. Dr Podesta said substances such as heroin, fentanyl and benzodiazepines cause respiratory depression and death by lowering the respiratory rate.
Reported deaths do not merely occur with overuse of Kratom, but due to adulteration with other addictive substances. Would Louisiana Law Ban Kratom after these reports? Let’s find out.
Is Kratom Legal In Louisiana?
Kratom has always been a centre of controversy when it comes to legality. Currently, it is legal in Louisiana. As of April 2020, Kratom is legal in Louisiana, but House Bill 19 aims to change that. Research is going on to classify it as a potentially dangerous substance. Back in 2014, a bill was presented to ban its use, but it died in committee.
Further, two Bills were introduced in June and August. One of the Bills passed, and according to that bill, Kratom will become illegal in Louisiana if the FDA classified it as schedule 1 substance, ever. American Kratom Association does not recommend consumption of Kratom in contaminated form.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is an evergreen tree that grows in the tropical climate of southeast Asia and is well known for its beneficial effects such as pain relief, boosting energy, and enhancing mood.
Kratom is generally available as dry or crushed leaves that can be chewed, or can be mixed with water to make a refreshing cup of tea.
There are various forms of ingestible Kratom, and these include either crushed leaves, powdered form, capsule form, or an extract. Kratom powders, when mixed with smoothies, are a delicacy, whereas capsules are the most abundantly used form.
There are three central veins coloured red, green, and white, of Kratom strains. Its popular strains are Bali, Maeng Da, Red vein Thai, Red Indo, and Green vein Kali.
Green Kratom strain is the most potent of all strains and contains higher concentrations of mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, as compared to others.
Why Is Kratom Lab Testing Important?
The main active ingredients of Kratom include alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Mitragynine constitutes about two-thirds of total alkaloid content.
Some other alkaloids or heavy metals may have been mixed for contamination and even intoxication. Kratom lab testing is essential to assure the purity and quality of the products sold to Kratom consumers.
Like anything you eat, it can be dangerous if the contents are not suitable for human consumption. Thus, it is incredibly important to test Kratom products before sale and consumption.
Can I Drive After Taking Kratom?
Kratom dosage has a significant effect on the duration and intensity of the effects on its consumers. Kratom in small doses has minimal but beneficial effects such as mood-enhancing, and reduction of pain and anxiety.
Whereas Kratom in larger doses has a stimulating impact on the body and thus, can cause coordination and visual problems.
So, one can drive after taking a small dose of Kratom, but it is not advised to use heavy machinery.
Some people prefer to wait after taking Kratom to avoid road traffic accidents and putting their and others’ lives at risk.
Public Use Of Kratom In Louisiana?
In all the states of America where Kratom is legal, there is no prohibition for its use privately or publicly. Kratom is readily available at all tobacco shops, head shops, and even in bars. Due to its growing popularity among natives, its consumption has become widespread.
It should be kept in mind that Kratom extracts in any form are not recommended, not even by the American Kratom Association. People can easily buy and consume it within the permitted amounts as regulated by law agencies.
Can I Vape Kratom In The Privacy Of My Hotel Room Or An Apartment?
As Kratom has become legal in Louisiana, there has been increased consumption due to its widespread availability. For vaping, Kratom extracts such as Kratom vape juice is required.
Kratom extracts are the most potent form of Kratom and are not recommended by the American Kratom Association. Kratom extracts are more potent than Kratom powder and are not safe to Vape.
One should be careful about the dose and alkaloid contents of the vape juice to prevent intoxication. Usually, the disadvantages of vaping outweigh the benefits.
Who Is Allowed To Sell Or Distribute Kratom Products?
To ensure the safety of the community, American Kratom Association (AKA) created a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification program. Certified Vendors are allowed to distribute kratom products, and they have to list the ingredients of each product.
When it comes to purchasing Kratom, the public always prefers to buy from certified vendors as they ensure pure and safe contents and their products go through rigorous lab testing yearly.
One must ensure one’s safety before buying from a local store by looking at the list of contents.
Kratom In Louisiana – Buyers Guide
Louisiana is a state in the southern region of the United States. New Orleans is its largest city that lies on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico.
It is a spot of attraction and charm for the natives as well as international tourists because of the French Quarter and Jackson Square. To fully enjoy Louisiana’s best places, vacationers also experience popular dining places, bars, and clubs.
Kratom was previously known for its traditional purposes, but with the availability of more information about its products, it is now used for medicinal purposes also.
However, its use depends on many factors such as age, body form, and previous use of such substances.
Further, the effects it produces on the body also depend upon the strain, and the dosage consumed.
Should I Always Buy From A Certified Distributor Of Kratom?
Kratom is available in various forms and strains. Some vendors try to sell the contaminated form of Kratom to make more money.
Manufacturers and vendors sell Kratom contaminated with salmonella, heavy metals, and sometimes with high alkaloids content materials. It is necessary for GMP approved vendors to mention the contents of each product and label them.
Every customer must check the proper certification of vendors before buying. It is the responsibility of Kratom vendors to ensure that the Kratom products are safe for the consumption of the public.
Where Can I Buy Kratom Online In Louisiana?
1) Mushroom New Orleans
This store has been serving for a record 50 years intending to gain customer satisfaction. It provides fantastic stuff such as smoked tobacco, electronic cigarettes and liquids, vaporizers, glass pipes, Kratom and CBD products.
Its location is 1037 Broadway St, New Orleans, LA 70118. This shop’s rating is 4.6/5 based on 336 customer reviews.
To Order Online: https://www.mushroomneworleans.com/
2) Pipes Emporium
One of the oldest stores serving for over 30 years, with a vast selection of water pipes, e-cig, dry herb vaporizer and kratom products.
Further, it provides the best customer service to each and everyone who walks inside. Its location is 1304 Centenary Blvd, Shreveport, LA 71101. This shop’s rating is 4.5/5 based on 418 reviews.
To Order Online: https://pipesemporium.com/
3) Ra Shop #6 Metairie
The Ra Shop carries a wide array of smoking accessories, CBD, Detox Products, Cigars, Water Tobacco Pipes, E-Cigarettes, Vaporizers, and Kratom Products.
Its location is 3828 Veterans Memorial Blvd d, Metairie, LA 70002. This shop’s rating is 4.5/5 based on 292 customer reviews.
To Order Online: https://www.rashop.us/
4) Southern Tropics Kratom and CBD
This kratom shop contains a massive variety of Kratom products, and when it comes to strains, this shop has almost every strain of Kratom available at a very reasonable price.
Its location is 1500 W Thomas St, Hammond, LA 70401. This shop’s rating is 5/5 based on 26 customer reviews.
To Order Online: https://southerntropicsherbal.com/
5) Cajun Smoke
This smoke shop provides its customers with Vapes, Glass pipes, Detox, and Hookahs, and Kratom products. Staff is quite knowledgeable and guides you about every product in detail.
Its location is 200 Youngsville Hwy, Lafayette, LA 70508. This shop’s rating is 4.5 based on 48 reviews.
To Order Online: https://cajunsmokeshop.com/
Where Can I Buy Kratom Near Me In Louisiana?
1) Hashtags Smoke Shop
Hashtags smoke shop is the best spot to buy Kratom for its affordable prices. This place has excellent quality and a decent atmosphere with friendly staff. This shop’s rating is 4.7/5 based on 156 customer reviews.
Address: 12524 Jefferson Hwy a, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
2) King City Smoke Shop
This smoke shop has a massive selection of smoking accessories, Vape flavours, E-juices, CBD and Kratom products. This shop’s rating is 4.5/5 based on 52 customer reviews.
Address: 5580 W Main St, Houma, LA 70360
3) Bella Sunrise Tobacco LLC
This head shop is famous because of its excellent service, friendly staff, and high-quality products varying from glass & water pipes to vaporizers, and CBD and Kratom products. This shop’s rating is 4.7/5 based on 126 customer reviews.
Address: 6010 Jones Creek Rd d, Baton Rouge, LA 70817
4) Herbals 4Play
This local store has gained the trust of customers for over 12 years due to its high-quality Kratom and CBD products. This shop’s rating is 4.6/5 based on 11 customer reviews.
Address: 3217 Louisville Ave, Monroe, LA 71201
5) Ecstatic Shack
They have a wide variety of products that meet customers’ demands in one way or another. They offer you all the smoking accessories you need. This shop’s rating is 4.7/5 based on 152 customer reviews.
Address: 6788 W Park Ave, Houma, LA 70364
