7-OH Legal StatusUpdated
Tennessee
Restricted · Partially restricted
- Effective
- 2018-07-01
- Classification
- Class A misdemeanor
- Age limit
- 21+
- 7-OH cap
- —
Tennessee restricts certain forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine (commonly concentrated or synthetic preparations) while treating natural kratom differently. Enforcement posture and the exact line of legality are in flux.
Summary
Natural kratom legal for adults; synthetic 7-OH restricted. Matthew Davenport's Law (HB 1649) passed both chambers and was transmitted to the governor on May 6, 2026 for signature. Full ban expected to take effect July 1, 2026.
Detailed status
Tennessee regulates natural kratom but bans synthetic/concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products. In May 2025, HJR0147 passed 90-1 and was signed by Gov. Bill Lee, expressing support for the strictest regulation or outright ban. HB 1649 (Matthew Davenport's Law) passed the House 78-9 on April 8, 2026 and the Senate 23-3 on April 16, 2026. The bill was transmitted to Governor Lee on May 6, 2026. When signed, it will make kratom possession a Class A misdemeanor, sale/manufacturing a Class C felony, and sale to minors a Class B felony, with a July 1, 2026 effective date. The bill also mandates kratom testing in overdose death investigations.
Timeline
How 7-OH law and enforcement has evolved in Tennessee.
2026
4 events- CourtNashville Banner
Tennessee bans THC and kratom, pursues study of Ibogaine
Nashville Banner roundup of signed legislation notes kratom ban advancing alongside other substance-related bills; law bans 'kratom in all forms' effective July 1 if signed.
- BillWSMV
'Gas station heroin.' Tennessee kratom ban bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk
WSMV Nashville reports HB 1649 (Matthew Davenport's Law) passed the Senate 23-3 on April 16, joining the House's 78-9 vote; bill now heads to Governor Lee with overwhelming bipartisan support.
- BillWCYB
Tennessee House votes to ban kratom, bill now moves to Senate
The Tennessee House passed HB 1649 (Matthew Davenport's Law) to outlaw kratom including 7-OH derivatives; the bill now advances to the Senate for consideration.
- NewsUnicoi Today
East Tennessee Groups and Lawmakers Push to Ban Kratom
Local coverage of East Tennessee advocacy and legislative efforts supporting HB1647 ahead of committee votes, featuring testimony tied to kratom-related deaths.
2025
5 events- BillTennessee General Assembly
HB1647/SB1655 — Matthew Davenport's Law
Bills sponsored by Rep. Helton-Haynes and Sen. Gardenhire would create Class D felony for kratom possession, Class B felony for sale/manufacture, and Class A felony for sale to minors, with a proposed effective date of July 1, 2026.
- NewsTennessee House Republican Caucus
Esther Helton-Haynes: Kratom products are a public health threat
Rep. Helton-Haynes op-ed arguing kratom and 7-OH products constitute a public health threat requiring legislative action.
- NewsWKRN Nashville
Kratom in Tennessee: Secret shopper investigation reveals unregulated substances
WKRN investigative report documents widespread sale of kratom and 7-OH products across Tennessee retailers despite state restrictions on synthetic/concentrated forms.
- NewsWKRN Nashville
Tennessee House joint resolution signals support for strictest state regulation
WKRN reports on HJR0147's passage, noting the resolution frames kratom as mimicking opioids and legally purchasable by adults in Tennessee.
- NewsTennessee General Assembly
Tennessee HJR0147 — Resolution relative to the regulation of Kratom
House Joint Resolution 147 passed 90-1 and was signed by Gov. Bill Lee, expressing General Assembly support for the strictest regulation or outright ban of kratom.
Frequently asked
Direct answers about 7-hydroxymitragynine in Tennessee.
- Is 7-hydroxymitragynine legal in Tennessee?
- Tennessee restricts certain forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine (commonly concentrated or synthetic preparations) while treating natural kratom differently. Enforcement posture and the exact line of legality are in flux.
- Can I buy 7-OH online and have it shipped to Tennessee?
- No. Because 7-OH is restricted in Tennessee, shipping the product into the state generally violates state law. Purchasers and sellers can both be subject to enforcement action.
- Is kratom the same as 7-hydroxymitragynine in Tennessee?
- Not exactly. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is the plant; 7-hydroxymitragynine is one of its active alkaloids, which can also be concentrated or semi-synthesized to much higher potencies than occur naturally. Tennessee's laws may treat the natural leaf, its alkaloids, and concentrated/synthetic 7-OH differently — see the Legal at a Glance panel above for the specifics that apply here.
- What is the minimum age to buy 7-OH in Tennessee?
- 21. Retailers in Tennessee are required to verify age before sale. Sales to anyone under 21 can result in licensing consequences for the seller.
- Is Tennessee considering new 7-OH legislation?
- Yes. HB 1649 (Matthew Davenport's Law) (Passed House 78-9 (Apr 8), Senate 23-3 (Apr 16), transmitted to Gov. Lee May 6, 2026). Makes kratom possession a Class A misdemeanor, sale/manufacturing a Class C felony, and sale to minors a Class B felony, effective July 1, 2026. Mandates kratom testing in overdose investigations.
- What happens if I already bought 7-OH and Tennessee's law changes?
- Laws typically distinguish between sale (prohibited for retailers immediately) and personal possession (often given a grace period, though not always). When Tennessee has changed status in the past, state agencies have usually issued guidance to consumers and retailers. Check the most recent state guidance linked in the Sources section before assuming an existing purchase remains legal.
- When was this page last verified?
- This page was last reviewed on 2026-05-12. Because kratom and 7-OH law changes quickly, we re-verify active-legislation states at least quarterly and update the page when new bills, court rulings, or enforcement actions are reported. This is not legal advice — verify the current statute or consult an attorney in Tennessee before relying on it.
Related reading
06 links
- 01Legal status in all 50 statesFull tracker with distribution snapshot
- 02What is 7-hydroxymitragynine?Pharmacology, market, and regulatory background
- 037-OH vs kratom leafWhy the legal line is drawn between them
- 047-OH brand reviewsLab testing, product range, reputation
- 05Submit a correctionReport an outdated or incorrect entry for Tennessee
- 06How this tracker is maintainedSourcing, review cadence, and verification process