Tennessee Senate Bill SB1655

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, Chapter 2; Title 38; Title 39; Title 50; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to Kratom.

Impact

The introduction of SB1655 will have significant implications for state drug laws. Notably, it brings Kratom under a framework of strict legal controls similar to those applied to more notorious drugs. By instituting felony charges for its possession and sale, the bill is likely to deter use and distribution, thereby affecting both consumers and suppliers. Additionally, the bill mandates testing for Kratom in cases of suspected drug overdoses, requiring medical examiners and physicians to include it in toxicology screenings. This focus on Kratom in medical settings underscores the seriousness of its perceived health risks.

Summary

Senate Bill 1655, known as 'Matthew Davenport's Law', seeks to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code to regulate the possession, manufacture, delivery, and sale of Kratom, a substance derived from the mitragyna speciosa plant. The bill defines Kratom and establishes strict penalties for violations, categorizing possession as a Class D felony, and making manufacture, delivery, or sale a Class B felony. If the violation involves selling Kratom to a minor, it escalates to a Class A felony. This legislation appears largely aimed at addressing concerns over the safety and potential abuse of Kratom as a psychoactive substance.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1655 include debates about the balance between public health safety and personal freedom. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to increased legal penalties for individuals who use Kratom for its purported benefits. Advocacy groups might push back against the classification of Kratom as a dangerous substance, citing that it has been used safely by many individuals for pain relief and to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, questions around the efficacy and accuracy of toxicology testing for Kratom may arise, potentially complicating its enforcement.