Tennessee House Bill 1647 Could Ban Kratom Products: Learn More About Matthew Davenport’s Law

Name: Nashville Addiction Clinic
Price range: $$$

Posted by

On March 9, 2026

A new piece of legislation being discussed in the Tennessee legislature could significantly change the legal status of kratom and kratom-derived products throughout the state. The proposed bill, Tennessee House Bill 1647 (HB1647)—sometimes referred to as Matthew Davenport’s Law—would classify kratom and several of its primary compounds as controlled substances under Tennessee law.

If the bill becomes law, the possession, sale, and distribution of kratom products could become illegal in Tennessee.

For individuals who currently use kratom, especially high-potency products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), this legislation raises important questions. What exactly does the bill propose? Why are lawmakers considering it? And what options exist for people who may be dependent on kratom or related products?

Understanding the details of HB1647 can help Tennessee residents stay informed about potential changes and available treatment options.

Accredited, Virtual Kratom Addiction Treatment for Tennessee

Nashville Addiction Clinic provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required, ever.

Statewide access across Tennessee
Accredited by The Joint Commission
Owned and managed by people in long-term recovery

Register for treatment online using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (A sliding-scale program is also available) Click here if you’re a returning patient.

What Is Tennessee House Bill 1647?

HB1647 is proposed legislation that would add kratom and certain kratom-derived alkaloids to Tennessee’s controlled substances schedule.

The bill specifically references substances including:

Mitragynine, the primary compound found in kratom
7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
The kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa)
Extracts or derivatives derived from kratom

If enacted, this change would make it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute kratom products within Tennessee.

The bill has been associated with the name Matthew Davenport’s Law, a reference used in discussions surrounding the legislation. Like many laws named after individuals, the title reflects the broader public health concerns that lawmakers say motivated the proposal.

Because kratom products are currently widely available across the state, the legislation would represent a significant policy shift.

Where Kratom Is Currently Sold in Tennessee

At present, kratom products can be found in many locations throughout Tennessee, including:

Smoke shops
Vape stores
Convenience stores
Gas stations
Online retailers

Products are often sold in several forms, including:

powdered kratom leaf
capsules
liquid kratom shots
concentrated extracts
tablets containing kratom alkaloids

Because these products are typically sold as supplements, regulation and product labeling can vary significantly between manufacturers.

This lack of uniform standards has become one of the key concerns raised by policymakers.

Why Lawmakers Are Considering a Ban

Supporters of HB1647 say the legislation is intended to address growing public health concerns related to kratom products, particularly newer high-potency formulations.

Several issues have drawn attention from lawmakers and healthcare professionals:

The increasing availability of high-strength kratom extracts
Products containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine
Reports of dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Limited oversight of manufacturing and product labeling

In recent years, the kratom marketplace has evolved rapidly. Early products primarily consisted of powdered leaf material, but today’s market includes a wide variety of concentrated and enhanced formulations.

These newer products may contain significantly higher levels of active compounds, which can increase both their potency and their potential risks.

What Is 7-Hydroxymitragynine?

One of the compounds receiving particular attention from lawmakers is 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-hydroxy or 7-OH.

This compound occurs naturally in kratom leaves, but only in very small amounts.

However, modern manufacturing techniques allow producers to isolate and concentrate this compound, creating products that contain much higher levels of 7-OH than natural kratom leaf.

These products may be marketed as:

7-OH tablets
enhanced kratom capsules
kratom extract shots
high-potency kratom extracts

Because 7-hydroxymitragynine interacts strongly with opioid receptors in the brain, concentrated products can produce much stronger effects than traditional kratom powder.

This increased potency has become one of the primary concerns driving legislative discussions.

How Kratom and 7-OH Affect the Brain

The primary compounds found in kratom—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—interact with opioid receptors in the brain.

These receptors are the same biological system involved in the effects of opioid medications such as:

morphine
oxycodone
hydrocodone

Activation of these receptors can produce effects such as:

pain relief
sedation
mood changes
feelings of relaxation

Because 7-hydroxymitragynine is significantly more potent than mitragynine, products containing concentrated amounts can produce stronger opioid-like effects.

Repeated exposure to substances that activate opioid receptors can sometimes lead to:

tolerance (needing larger amounts over time)
physical dependence
withdrawal symptoms when stopping

These risks have led addiction treatment providers to report increasing numbers of patients seeking help for kratom-related dependence.

Reports of Kratom Withdrawal and Dependence

Although kratom is sometimes marketed as a natural product, regular use—especially at higher doses—can lead to physical dependence in some individuals.

When someone who has developed dependence stops using kratom suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

anxiety or agitation
muscle aches
insomnia
nausea
restlessness
cravings

These symptoms can vary depending on the amount and type of product used.

Individuals using high-potency kratom extracts or 7-OH products may experience stronger withdrawal symptoms than those using traditional kratom leaf products.

Because of these challenges, some individuals seek medical assistance when trying to stop using kratom.

Treatment Options for Kratom or 7-OH Dependence

The good news is that effective treatment options are available for people struggling with kratom or 7-hydroxy dependence.

Many addiction treatment providers now have experience helping patients safely transition away from these substances.

One widely used treatment approach involves medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using medications that contain buprenorphine, such as Suboxone®.

Buprenorphine works by stabilizing opioid receptors in the brain, which can help:

reduce withdrawal symptoms
decrease cravings
support recovery

For many patients, this approach allows them to stop using kratom products while maintaining stability in daily life.

To learn more about kratom and 7-OH addiction and available treatment options, visit our comprehensive guide:

Kratom & 7-OH Addiction: Causes, Risks, and How Suboxone Treatment Can Help

Register Today for Kratom/7-Hydroxy Telemedicine Addiction Treatment

Register for Kratom Telehealth treatment using your TennCare Medicaid
Register for virtual Kratom Addiction treatment with your commercial insurance
No Insurance? Register for Kratom Telemedicine treatment and make payments
Register as a returning Kratom patient
Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
View all Medicaid and commercial insurance plans we accept and self-pay pricing
We accept most private/employee health insurance, such as BCBS, Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare, as well as all TennCare Medicaid insurance: Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care.
Same-day appointments and Suboxone prescriptions are often available when fully-registered before 10:00 am Central Time. (based on availability)

Not sure if your insurance is accepted? Click here to verify your coverage.

Experience a safe transition from Kratom, 7-OH (7-Hydroxymitragynine), hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, Norcos, Percocet, Roxicodone, Vicodin, Tianeptine, Tramadol, Opana, codeine, oxymorphone, and other opioids.

If you would like to speak to someone about our telemedicine Kratom Addiction Treatment Program, please call or text us at (615) 927-7802. You can also message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app.

Why Telemedicine Addiction Treatment for Kratom/7-Hydroxy Addiction?

In recent years, addiction treatment has become far more accessible thanks to telemedicine services.

Today, patients across Tennessee can receive treatment through secure online appointments without traveling to a clinic.

Through telemedicine care, patients can:

meet with licensed addiction treatment providers
receive personalized treatment plans
begin medication-assisted treatment if appropriate
receive ongoing follow-up support

This approach has helped expand access to care across the state, particularly in rural communities where addiction treatment services may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tennessee Kratom Ban Bill

Is kratom currently illegal in Tennessee?

No. Under current Tennessee law, kratom remains legal in certain regulated forms. However, proposed legislation could change this. Lawmakers are considering bills that would make the possession, sale, and distribution of kratom illegal in Tennessee.

What is the Tennessee kratom ban bill (HB1647 / SB1655)?

HB1647 and SB1655 are proposed Tennessee bills known as Matthew Davenport’s Law. As introduced, these bills would create criminal offenses for knowingly possessing, manufacturing, delivering, or selling kratom in Tennessee. If passed, kratom products would no longer be legally sold in the state.

Why are lawmakers concerned about kratom and 7-hydroxy products?

One major concern involves high-potency kratom extracts and products containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Traditional kratom leaves contain relatively small amounts of this compound, but some modern products contain much higher concentrations. These stronger products may increase the risk of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, which has led some lawmakers and healthcare providers to support stricter regulation or a complete ban.

When could the Tennessee kratom ban take effect?

If the legislation passes the Tennessee House and Senate and is signed into law, the proposed effective date would likely be July 1, 2026. However, the legislative process can change timelines, and the bill could be amended, delayed, or fail to pass entirely.

What happens if someone is dependent on kratom?

People who use kratom regularly — especially high-potency extracts or 7-hydroxy products — may develop physical dependence. When they stop suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

Anxiety
Restlessness
Muscle aches
Nausea
Insomnia
Strong cravings

These symptoms can make quitting difficult without medical support.

Can kratom withdrawal be treated?

Yes. Many healthcare providers use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help manage kratom withdrawal and cravings.

Medications containing buprenorphine, such as Suboxone®, can stabilize the same brain receptors affected by kratom and opioids. This can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms and allow patients to transition away from kratom safely under medical supervision.

You can learn more about treatment options here:

Kratom & 7-OH Addiction: Causes, Risks, and How Suboxone Treatment Can Help

Is treatment available if I live in a rural area of Tennessee?

Yes. Many addiction treatment providers now offer secure telemedicine appointments, allowing patients to receive treatment from home.

Through telemedicine, patients can:

Meet with a licensed provider
Develop a treatment plan
Begin medication-assisted treatment if appropriate

This approach has made addiction treatment far more accessible across Tennessee, including rural communities where in-person services may be limited.

Where can someone get help for kratom or 7-hydroxy dependence?

If you or someone you care about is struggling with kratom or 7-hydroxy dependence, confidential help is available.

Addiction treatment providers experienced in treating kratom dependence can help patients manage withdrawal symptoms and begin recovery through evidence-based treatments such as buprenorphine-based medications and supportive care.

Early treatment can make stopping kratom safer and far more manageable.

Why Choose Nashville Addiction Clinic for Online Kratom Addiction Treatment?

Accredited by The Joint Commission
Treating Kratom addiction with Suboxone since 2024
Our clinic owners are in long-term recovery
Over 260 Google Reviews (from real patients)
Recipient of Tennessee’s first Virtual OBOT medical license
Same-day Suboxone prescriptions
Statewide award winner of the 2025 Best of Tennessee award for substance abuse treatment
Over 1000 patients served since 2019
Accepts most commercial/employee health plans, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield (all U.S. states), Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare, as well as all TennCare Medicaid plans: Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care.
Overnight Suboxone delivery is available in most areas (a delivery fee applies)
A compassionate team of caring doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and administrators who provide judgement-free care, some who are in recovery.
Same-day appointments available every Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (based on availability)
Evening appointments every Monday and Wednesday until 9:00 PM

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about your addiction to Kratom/7-Hydroxy. Call us or send us a text at (615) 927-7802, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.

Feeling nervous about starting telemedicine addiction treatment? Learn what to expect during your first Suboxone telemedicine appointment.

What Happens Next With HB1647?

The future of kratom in Tennessee will depend on how lawmakers ultimately vote on HB1647 and SB1655.

Before becoming law, the bill must move through multiple steps in the legislative process, including committee review and votes in both the Tennessee House and Senate.

The legislation could also be amended or replaced with alternative proposals that regulate kratom rather than banning it entirely.

Regardless of the outcome, the debate surrounding Matthew Davenport’s Law reflects growing attention to the risks associated with high-potency kratom extracts and 7-hydroxymitragynine products.

For individuals who may already be experiencing dependence or withdrawal symptoms, it is important to know that help is available.

Confidential telemedicine treatment allows patients across Tennessee to receive professional care and begin recovery safely.

Fast-Online Registration for Same-Day Kratom Addiction Treatment with Prescriptions Delivered to Your Door

You can review insurance and pricing details before scheduling, so there are no surprises.

If you have TennCare Medicaid insurance, your treatment and medication costs are typically $0. If you have commercial health insurance, we will provide you with a treatment cost estimate before scheduling your first telemedicine appointment. If you don’t have health insurance, we offer biweekly and monthly payment plans.