NASHVILLE—A group of Republican lawmakers in the Tennessee House has signaled its intention to crack down on the controversial botanical substance known as kratom, sponsoring a resolution that suggests an outright ban or, at minimum, restrictive regulations.
The measure, House Joint Resolution 147 (HJR147), has raised alarms among kratom advocates who argue that lawmakers are working from a foundation of outdated and misleading information.
From the outset, the resolution misidentifies kratom, referring to the compound mitragynine as synonymous with the plant itself. In reality, mitragynine is a primary alkaloid found in kratom leaves, but the two are not interchangeable terms. Some kratom varieties have been found to contain only trace amounts of the alkaloid, challenging the resolution’s central claim.
The resolution then claims that kratom “mimics the opioids currently problematic for abuse, addiction, and lethal side effects.” Experts point out a crucial distinction: while some alkaloids in kratom interact with opioid receptors, they do so as partial agonists, meaning their effects—both positive and negative—are significantly weaker than full opioid agonists like morphine.
Perhaps the most inflammatory statement in the resolution is its reference to kratom as “gas station heroin,” a term previously associated with tianeptine, a European antidepressant that has been sold unregulated in the U.S. and banned in several states. Kratom advocates dismiss the comparison as irresponsible and misleading.
Another concern raised in the resolution is the lack of labeling regulations on kratom products. Some advocates acknowledge that product transparency could be improved, but they argue that prohibition would only push the substance into unregulated markets where labeling would be non-existent.
The resolution also claims that kratom is banned in two countries where it naturally grows—presumably referring to Thailand and Malaysia. However, Thailand legalized kratom in 2021, and Malaysia has been exploring regulatory pathways to allow its use.
Germany’s stance on kratom is also misrepresented in the resolution. While it is subject to restrictions—particularly in how it is marketed—it is not outright banned. Advocates there are working to change labeling laws to ensure better consumer safety.
The push to prohibit kratom is not unique to Tennessee. Similar efforts have surfaced in local and state governments across the country, often featuring recycled arguments that critics say mischaracterize the plant’s risks and benefits.
Having cleared the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, HJR147 now awaits review in the Judiciary Committee. While resolutions do not carry the force of law, they often serve as precursors to legislative action—a warning sign for kratom users and advocates who fear stricter regulations or an outright ban could be looming.