Louisiana adds three kratom-related substances to Schedule I drug list

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has issued an emergency rule adding three substances related to kratom compounds to the state's Schedule I controlled dangerous substances list.

The substances are related to 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine, compounds associated with the kratom plant.

LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein said the emergency action was necessary to address potential threats to public health and safety.

According to the department, preclinical evidence indicates the substances act on opioid receptors and carry risks similar to other opioid-related drugs, including dependence and respiratory depression, a condition in which breathing becomes dangerously slow or shallow.

“Louisiana is taking action to protect people from substances that pose a serious risk to public health,” Greenstein said.

Schedule I substances are classified as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use for treatment in the United States and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

Louisiana law allows the health secretary to issue emergency rules when immediate action is considered necessary to protect public health.

The emergency rule will remain in effect for the maximum period allowed by state law or until a permanent rule is adopted, whichever comes first.

The action is part of continuing state and federal efforts to address concerns involving certain concentrated or modified kratom-related substances.