Ouachita Parish Police Jury Approves Ordinance to Ban Kratom Sales and Distribution

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – There was a lot of tension following the four-to-one vote at the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Meeting on Nov. 4 to ban the sale and distribution of Kratom.

Police judges Toni Bacon, Jimmy Tyson, Shane Smiley and Lonnie Hudson all voted in favor of the ban. However, Michael Thompson voted against the ban.

Larry Bratton was absent from the meeting. Therefore, his vote was not counted.

The product is currently sold in some convenience stores and other businesses.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement AdministrationKratom is a product that comes from a tree in Southeast Asia.

Kratom can be in the form of a leaf, pill, oil extract or powder.

When used in recommended doses, it can have a stimulating effect. However, if abused, it can have a depressive effect.

Those who spoke in favor of Kratom at the meeting said it benefits those dealing with chronic pain, anxiety and depression.

However, some say the product has become a public health problem across the parish.

“When I say it helps with depression and anxiety, it just makes me want to throw up because I’ve looked at it with my eyes. I don’t need anyone here to tell me anything because I lived through it and I’m still living it,” said Melanie Jones, a resident of Ouachita Parish.

“I don’t know a parent in America who wouldn’t rather give their child a good, manufactured product, a Kratom product. The pros far outweigh the cons,” said John Shinholser, who represents U.S. veterans for Kratom Safe.

The ban will take effect in 30 days to allow businesses to comply with the new regulation.

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