Tennessee has officially instituted a zero-tolerance ban on kratom and all of its derivatives following the enactment of Public Chapter 950, commonly known as “Michael Davenport’s Law.”

The legislation, which took effect with no grace period for consumers or retailers, completely criminalizes the plant and its active compounds, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. The ban extends to all product forms, ranging from raw powdered leaf and capsules to liquid shots, extracts, and teas.

Under the new statute, penalties for violations are severe:

• Simple Possession: Classified as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a sentence of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail alongside substantial financial penalties.

• Manufacturing or Distribution: Knowingly manufacturing, selling, delivering, or possessing kratom with intent to distribute is categorized as a Class C felony, carrying a prison sentence ranging from 3 to 15 years and heavy fines.

District Attorney General Russell Johnson noted that the state’s 9th Judicial District has previously linked kratom to local overdose deaths. Consequently, the new legislation mandates that toxicology screenings for kratom be integrated into official drug testing protocols for suspected drug overdoses and suspected neonatal abstinence syndrome cases. Law enforcement across the state is now enforcing the ban statewide.