Bill > HJR0147

This resolution addresses the regulation of Kratom, a substance currently legal in Tennessee that is used by an estimated 1.7 million Americans and often referred to as "gas station heroin." The resolution highlights significant concerns about Kratom, including its similarity to opioids, potential for abuse and addiction, and lack of clear safety information, noting that from 2021 to 2023, over 2,000 fatal Kratom-related overdoses were recorded across forty states. The document cites a specific tragic case of Matthew Davenport, who died from an interaction between Kratom and his prescribed medications, and emphasizes that the substance is banned or controlled in multiple countries and is easily accessible in convenience stores without proper warnings about potential risks. Drawing upon Tennessee's previous leadership in regulating prescription medications, the resolution calls for supporting the strictest possible state regulation of Kratom, potentially including an outright ban, to protect families and communities from what it describes as a harmful, unregulated substance that poses significant health risks.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HJR0147&ga=114