Last verified:
Status Indicators
- Currently legal under existing KCPA framework. 21+ minimum purchase age.
- HB 1649 (Matthew Davenport’s Law) passed House 78-9 (April 8, 2026) and Senate 23-3 (April 16, 2026)
- Awaits Governor Bill Lee’s signature
- Effective date: July 1, 2026 if signed
- Tennessee would become the 7th US state with a full kratom ban
- Bill named for Matthew Davenport, a Chattanooga man whose mother said he died after taking kratom alongside prescription drugs
At a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Currently legal. Pending ban via HB 1649. |
| Age Limit | 21+ (current) |
| Regulated | Yes (current KCPA). Pending repeal. |
| Controlled Substance | No (current). Pending Schedule I designation. |
| Last Policy Change | April 16, 2026 (HB 1649 passed both chambers) |
Understanding Federal vs. State Law
Kratom is federally unscheduled. Tennessee has been a KCPA-regulated state with a 21+ age requirement, but HB 1649 would replace the regulatory framework with prohibition. The bill passed by comfortable margins in both chambers, suggesting Governor Lee is likely to sign.
KCPA Section
Current Tennessee KCPA framework remains in effect until HB 1649 is signed and takes effect. If HB 1649 becomes law on July 1, 2026, the KCPA framework will be replaced with full prohibition.
HB 1649 (Matthew Davenport’s Law):
- House vote: 78-9 (April 8, 2026)
- Senate vote: 23-3 (April 16, 2026)
- Awaiting Governor Bill Lee signature
- Effective July 1, 2026 if signed
- Would make Tennessee the 7th state with a full kratom ban
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 8, 2026 | Tennessee House passes HB 1649 78-9 |
| April 16, 2026 | Tennessee Senate passes HB 1649 23-3. Bill heads to Governor Bill Lee. |
| TBD | Governor Lee signs or vetoes HB 1649 |
| July 1, 2026 | If signed, kratom becomes illegal statewide |
Penalties
Current: KCPA non-compliance penalties for vendors. No buyer-side penalties for adults 21+. Future (if HB 1649 is signed): criminal penalties for possession, sale, and distribution under controlled substance law.
Buying & Shipping to Tennessee
Currently permitted under the KCPA framework. Vendors should monitor Governor Lee’s action on HB 1649. If signed, vendors will need to remove Tennessee from shipping destinations effective July 1, 2026. Buyers in Tennessee should be aware of the pending ban and plan accordingly.
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Q: Is kratom legal in Tennessee?
A: Yes, currently. Tennessee has a KCPA framework with a 21+ purchase age. However, HB 1649 (Matthew Davenport’s Law) passed both chambers in April 2026 and awaits Governor Bill Lee’s signature. If signed, kratom becomes illegal July 1, 2026.
Q: When will Tennessee’s kratom ban take effect?
A: July 1, 2026, if Governor Bill Lee signs HB 1649. As of this update the bill has passed both chambers but has not been signed.
Q: What is HB 1649?
A: HB 1649, named Matthew Davenport’s Law, is the bill that would ban kratom in Tennessee. It passed the House 78-9 on April 8, 2026, and the Senate 23-3 on April 16, 2026.
Q: What is the legal age to buy kratom in Tennessee?
A: 21 under the current KCPA framework.
Q: Can I drive through Tennessee with kratom?
A: Yes, currently. If HB 1649 is signed, this changes effective July 1, 2026.
Q: Can I fly into Tennessee with kratom?
A: Yes, currently. Nashville International, Memphis International, and Knoxville McGhee Tyson airports serve travelers under the existing legal framework. If HB 1649 is signed, this changes effective July 1, 2026.
Sources
- www.wbir.com/article/news/local/knoxville/bill-ban-kratom-tennessee-heads-governors-desk/51-2f74aa1d-931d-4ab8-80a2-8afba2eff28f, WBIR Knoxville coverage of HB 1649 heading to Governor’s desk
- www.local3news.com/local-news/update-tennessee-senate-votes-to-ban-kratom-awaits-governor-s-signature/article_dd6794af-14c6-44ee-b6a1-32d03d7ff773.html, Local 3 News coverage of Senate vote 23-3 on April 16, 2026
- www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/apr/21/tennessee-set-to-become-seventh-state-to-have/, Chattanooga Times Free Press coverage confirming Tennessee would be the 7th state to ban kratom
- nashvillebanner.com/2026/04/23/tennessee-legilsation-thc-kratom-ibogaine-vapes/, Nashville Banner coverage of THC and kratom legislation
- www.wsmv.com/2026/04/17/gas-station-heroin-tennessee-kratom-ban-bill-now-heads-gov-bill-lees-desk/, WSMV coverage of HB 1649 heading to Governor Lee’s desk
- recoverycarecolumbia.com/kratom-ban-tennessee-2026-criminal-penalties-explained/, Tennessee 2026 ban penalty explanation
- amazingbotanicals.net/learn/kratom-legality/kratom-legality-tennessee/, Amazing Botanicals 2026 Tennessee status update
