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Tennessee Advances Legislation to Ban Kratom
Bill would classify natural and synthetic forms as Schedule I drug, raising concerns over access for pain relief and addiction treatment.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:05pm
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A fractured, kinetic illustration captures the complex chemistry and ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of kratom.Chattanooga TodayLegislation that would ban kratom, an opioid-like substance used recreationally and for pain relief, is advancing toward a floor vote in the Tennessee legislature. The bill, championed by state Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes, R-East Ridge, would designate both natural and synthetic forms as a Schedule I drug, making possession a misdemeanor and manufacturing, distribution or sale a felony.
Why it matters
The proposed ban on natural kratom has raised concerns from some that it could harm people who use it to treat chronic pain, ease addiction recovery, and as a safer recreational alternative to alcohol. However, supporters argue that the substance, which can lead to addiction and overdoses, needs tighter regulation to protect public health, especially among young people.
The details
Tennessee law already criminalizes synthetic forms of kratom, but the new bill would expand the ban to include the natural plant-based substance. Kratom is derived from the leaves of a plant native to Southeast Asia and can have psychoactive effects when consumed. The active ingredient, a naturally occurring compound known as 7-OH, can be extracted and used to produce synthetic products that are much stronger. The legislation would require county medical examiners to test for the presence of kratom during autopsies.
- The bill unanimously passed the House Finance, Ways and Means subcommittee on March 28, 2026.
- An identical version passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 28, 2026, with six voting in favor, one against and two present but not voting.
The players
Esther Helton-Haynes
A Republican state representative from East Ridge, Tennessee who is the lead sponsor of the kratom ban legislation.
Chris French
A Chattanooga resident who is planning to open a kratom bar and opposes the legislation, arguing there is a big difference between synthetic and natural kratom products.
What they’re saying
“Natural kratom is literally just the leaf taken off of a tree that grows in Southeast Asia, and that leaf is then crushed up and either served in a capsule or brewed to make a tea. You're basically consuming the plant and only the plant.”
— Chris French, Kratom bar owner
“People have been on my campaign Facebook page from all over the country trying to get involved in discussing this with me.”
— Esther Helton-Haynes, State Representative
What’s next
The version of the bill in both the House and Senate could mean passage of the law is smoother because the two bills will not have to be reconciled. The House bill has 64 cosponsors, which could allow it to pass with 50 votes in the 99-member chamber.
The takeaway
This legislation highlights the ongoing debate over the regulation of kratom, a substance that some view as a safer alternative to opioids but that others argue needs tighter controls due to its potential for abuse and health risks. The outcome in Tennessee could set a precedent for how other states approach the issue.
