Last reviewed: October 27, 2026. Kratom laws change quickly — confirm current rules with official state sources before buying, carrying or traveling with kratom. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Short answer: No. Kratom has been illegal in Tennessee since July 1, 2026. The state’s new law bans the possession, sale, manufacture and distribution of kratom, including 7-OH products.
Matthew Davenport’s Law (HB 1649)
Governor Bill Lee signed House Bill 1649, known as Matthew Davenport’s Law, on April 16, 2026. It took effect July 1, 2026. The law defines kratom broadly to include any part of the Mitragyna speciosa plant containing mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, their synthetic equivalents, and any substance derived from the plant that contains those compounds.
Before the ban, Tennessee regulated kratom with an age limit and labeling rules. The new law replaced that approach with prohibition.
Penalties
| Offense | Classification |
|---|---|
| Knowingly possessing kratom | Class A misdemeanor |
| Manufacturing, delivering or selling kratom | Class C felony |
| Selling to a minor (by an adult at least two years older) | Class B felony |
Local officials told retailers to stop selling kratom and remove it from inventory. In Nashville, noncompliance can also affect a business’s beer permit.
If you used kratom regularly
People who used kratom daily before the ban may experience withdrawal when they stop. Withdrawal can include muscle aches, irritability, trouble sleeping and cravings. Talk with a doctor about managing it safely — effective treatments exist. SAMHSA’s free, confidential National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-4357. Read more in Kratom Dependence and Withdrawal.
Traveling through Tennessee
Possession is illegal regardless of where the kratom was bought. Neighboring Georgia and North Carolina allow kratom, but bringing it into Tennessee can result in a misdemeanor charge.
Frequently asked questions
Is kratom legal in Tennessee?
No. Kratom has been illegal in Tennessee since July 1, 2026, under Matthew Davenport’s Law (HB 1649).
What is the penalty for kratom possession in Tennessee?
Knowingly possessing kratom is a Class A misdemeanor. Selling, delivering or manufacturing it is a Class C felony.
Is 7-OH legal in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee’s law defines kratom to include 7-OH and its synthetic equivalents, so 7-OH products are also banned.
Kratom laws in other states: Florida · Texas · California · New York · Pennsylvania · Ohio · Georgia · Michigan · North Carolina
Stay current: see the Kratom Law Tracker for every recent change.
Related: Kratom laws in all 50 states · Kratom vs. 7-OH · The Kratom Consumer Protection Act
Sources
- Metro Nashville: Tennessee Kratom Ban Effective July 1, 2026
- Historic Union County: Tennessee’s New Kratom Ban Takes Effect July 1
- SAMHSA National Helpline
Kratom Universe publishes independent educational information. Nothing on this site is medical or legal advice. Kratom is not approved by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk with a healthcare provider before using kratom, and check your state and local laws. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call SAMHSA’s free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
