House Bill No. 253, known as the "Kratom Consumer Protection Act," aims to regulate the sale and distribution of kratom products in Louisiana. The bill establishes definitions for various terms related to kratom, including "kratom leaf," "kratom product," and "vendor." It prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of twenty-one and sets forth specific criteria that kratom products must meet to be legally sold. These criteria include restrictions on the presence of certain substances, such as dangerous chemicals and excessive levels of alkaloids, as well as requirements for proper labeling that includes ingredient lists, allergen information, and warnings about potential health risks.
Additionally, the bill mandates that manufacturers register their kratom products with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) annually and pay a registration fee. They must also provide a certificate of analysis from a testing facility to confirm compliance with the established safety standards. The legislation requires vendors to provide test results upon request and obligates them to report any adverse events related to kratom products to the LDH. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the revocation of a product's registration.