Will Kratom/7-Hydroxy Be Illegal in Tennessee? Learn About House Bill 1647

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On March 9, 2026

Across Tennessee, many people are beginning to ask an important question: Will kratom or 7-hydroxy products become illegal in Tennessee?

The question is being raised because of proposed legislation known as Tennessee House Bill 1647—sometimes referred to as Matthew Davenport’s Law—along with its companion bill SB1655 in the Tennessee Senate. If passed, this legislation could place kratom and several kratom-derived compounds on Tennessee’s controlled substances schedule.

That would make the possession, sale, and distribution of kratom products illegal throughout the state.

For individuals who currently use kratom—or products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)—this legislation has the potential to significantly change access to these substances.

Understanding what the bill proposes, why lawmakers are considering it, and what treatment options are available can help Tennessee residents stay informed about what may happen next.

Kratom Addiction Treatment for Tennessee by Tennesseans in Recovery

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What Is Tennessee House Bill 1647?

House Bill 1647 (HB1647) is legislation introduced in the Tennessee legislature that would classify kratom and its primary alkaloids as controlled substances under state law.

The bill specifically identifies substances including:

Mitragynine, the primary alkaloid in kratom
7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
The kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa)
Kratom extracts and chemical derivatives

If the bill becomes law, kratom products could be added to Tennessee’s controlled substances list, similar to other substances regulated by the state.

In practical terms, this would mean kratom products could no longer be legally sold or possessed in Tennessee.

Currently, kratom products are widely available across the state in locations such as smoke shops, vape stores, and convenience stores, as well as online retailers.

Because of this widespread availability today, HB1647 represents a significant potential policy change.

Why Tennessee Lawmakers Are Considering This Legislation

Supporters of HB1647 say the legislation is intended to address growing concerns about high-potency kratom products, particularly those containing concentrated amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Several issues have drawn attention from policymakers and healthcare professionals:

Increasing availability of concentrated kratom extracts
Products containing high levels of 7-hydroxy
Reports of dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Limited regulation of product manufacturing and labeling

The kratom marketplace has changed dramatically over the past decade. Earlier products were typically simple powdered kratom leaf, but today many products contain enhanced or concentrated alkaloids.

These stronger products may produce more intense effects and may carry higher risks for dependence.

Because of these developments, lawmakers have begun examining whether kratom should be more tightly regulated—or potentially banned altogether.

What Is 7-Hydroxymitragynine?

A major focus of the current legislative discussion is 7-hydroxymitragynine, often referred to as 7-hydroxy or 7-OH.

This compound is one of the many alkaloids found in the kratom plant.

In natural kratom leaves, 7-hydroxy occurs in very small amounts, while another compound called mitragynine is present in much larger quantities.

However, modern manufacturing techniques allow producers to create products that contain highly concentrated levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine.

These products may be sold as:

7-OH tablets
kratom extract shots
enhanced kratom capsules
ultra-strength kratom extracts

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

This increased potency is one of the reasons lawmakers are paying closer attention to these products.

How Kratom and 7-OH Affect the Brain

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

These receptors are part of the same system involved in the effects of opioid medications and drugs such as morphine or oxycodone.

Activation of these receptors may produce effects such as:

pain relief
relaxation
sedation
changes in mood

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

With repeated exposure, substances that activate opioid receptors can sometimes lead to:

tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect)
physical dependence
withdrawal symptoms when stopping

These risks are among the reasons policymakers and healthcare professionals are evaluating the impact of high-potency kratom products.

Reports of Kratom Dependence and Withdrawal

Addiction treatment providers across the country—including in Tennessee—have reported increasing numbers of patients seeking help for kratom and 7-hydroxy dependence.

Although kratom is sometimes marketed as a natural supplement, regular use 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 irritability
muscle aches
insomnia
nausea
restlessness
strong cravings

For individuals using high-potency extracts or concentrated 7-OH products, these symptoms can sometimes be more severe.

Because of this, many people seek medical assistance when trying to stop using these substances.

Register Today for Kratom/7-Hydroxy Telemedicine Addiction Treatment

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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?

Today, many addiction treatment services are available through secure telemedicine appointments, making care more accessible than ever before.

Through telemedicine treatment, patients across Tennessee can:

meet with experienced addiction treatment providers
receive personalized treatment plans
begin medication-assisted treatment if appropriate
continue ongoing follow-up care

Telemedicine treatment has expanded access to care across Tennessee, particularly for individuals living 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.

Treatment Options for Kratom or 7-OH Dependence

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

One of the most widely used treatments involves buprenorphine-based medications such as Suboxone®.

Buprenorphine works by stabilizing the same receptors affected by kratom and opioids, helping reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

For many patients, this type of treatment allows them to:

Safely transition away from kratom
Reduce withdrawal symptoms
Stabilize daily functioning
Focus on long-term recovery

Many patients seeking Kratom addiction treatment today have been using high-dose kratom extracts or concentrated 7-hydroxy products, and medical providers have increasingly developed experience helping people safely transition off these substances.

If you want to learn more about how kratom and 7-OH dependence develops — and how treatment can help — visit our in-depth guide:

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

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 several stages of the legislative process, including committee review and votes in both the Tennessee House and Senate.

The bill could also be amended or replaced with alternative proposals focused on regulating kratom rather than banning it entirely.

Regardless of the outcome, the debate highlights growing awareness of the risks associated with high-potency kratom extracts and 7-hydroxymitragynine products.

For individuals who may already be struggling with dependence or withdrawal symptoms, the most important thing to remember is that help is available.

Confidential telemedicine treatment allows patients across Tennessee to connect with experienced providers and begin recovery safely.

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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.