The Ouachita Parish Police Jury is considering an ordinance regarding kratom

OUACHITA PARISH, La. (KNOE) – The Ouachita Parish Police Jury is considering adopting an ordinance that could potentially ban the sale and distribution of kratom.

“The quicker we get this stuff regulated or banned, the better off our young people and our society as a whole will be,” said Charlie Jones, owner and pharmacist at Drennan’s Pharmacy in West Monroe.

Jones said he has conducted extensive research on kratom and maintains that it is a public health issue not just statewide, but across the country.

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

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

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

When used in recommended dosages, it can act as a stimulant. However, if misused, it can have a dampening effect.

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

“From what I understand, there are places that make a lot of money selling this stuff. I do believe it will help the community to no longer be so easily accessible to use and abuse,” said Captain Schmitz.

Other communities where kratom is banned include Concordia, LaSalle and Franklin communities, as well as at least four other communities across the state.

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

Smiley said he has heard concerns from law enforcement and community residents.

“I think some of their concerns are about upregulation and the way it gets on the shelves and how it’s readily available and the possibility that not only could it be highly addictive but then it could also be contaminated.” said Smiley.

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

A statement said in part: “Local government employees need to address serious issues rather than trying to turn our community into a nanny state.”

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

If passed, the regulation will come into effect on December 1st to allow businesses to comply.

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