Ouachita Parish Police Jury to Consider Kratom Ordinance

OUACHITA PARISH, La. (KNOE) – The Ouachita Parish Police Jury is considering enacting a law that could prohibit the sale and distribution of Kratom.

“The quicker we can regulate or ban these things, the better it will be for our young people and our society as a whole,” said Charlie Jones, owner and pharmacist at Drennan’s Pharmacy in West Monroe.

Jones said he has done extensive research on Kratom and says it is a public health issue not only statewide, but nationwide.

“It affects millions. There are some people who benefit from this. Typically, they are adults and can use it more appropriately than others, but most people who use it are abusing it,” Jones said.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration, Kratom is a product derived from a tree in Southeast Asia.

Kratom can come in leaf, tablet, oil extract, or powder form.

When used in recommended dosages, it can act as a stimulant. However, if abused, it can act as a depressant.

Capt. Doug Schmitz of the West Monroe Police Department’s Metro Narcotics Unit said this could potentially affect the bottom line of local businesses.

“From what I know, there are places that generate a lot of income from selling these things. I really think this will help the parish in that it won’t be as easily accessible for someone to use and abuse,” said Captain Schmitz.

Other parishes that ban Kratom include Concordia, LaSalle, and Franklin parishes, along with at least four other parishes across the state.

KNOE spoke with Ouachita Parish Police Jury President Shane Smiley before the police grand jury meeting where the Kratom ordinance was introduced.

Smiley said he has heard concerns from parish officials and residents.

“I think some of their concerns are regulation and how this is getting on the shelves, and how readily available it is, and the possibility that not only could it be highly addictive, but it could also be contaminated,” Smiley said.

KNOE reached out to Super Save #3 in West Monroe with their thoughts on the possible ban.

In a statement, they said in part: “Local government officials need to address serious issues instead of trying to turn our community into a nanny state.”

A public meeting will be held at the next police grand jury meeting on Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Administrative Building in Monroe.

If the ordinance is approved, it will go into effect on December 1 to allow businesses to comply with the regulations.

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