The Tennessee Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss House Joint Resolution 147, which addresses the regulation or potential ban on the sale of kratom in the state. Senator Gordonhire opened the discussion, highlighting the growing concern over kratom, a substance used by an estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older for self-treatment of various medical conditions.

Kratom, often referred to as "gas station heroin," is legally sold in Tennessee in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. However, its unregulated sale raises significant health concerns, as it mimics opioids and has been linked to serious side effects, including overdose and liver failure. From February 2021 to February 2023, over 2,000 fatal kratom-related overdoses were reported across 40 states and Washington, D.C.

Senator Gordonhire emphasized the lack of regulation surrounding kratom, noting that its formulations vary widely in concentration and purity, with no standardized warnings about potential drug interactions or overdose risks. He pointed out that while kratom is marketed as a natural supplement with minimal side effects, it is banned in several countries and classified as a controlled substance in at least 16 others.

The discussion took a personal turn as Senator Gordonhire shared the tragic story of Matthew Davenport, a constituent who died from a lethal interaction between a prescribed medication and kratom. His mother, Karen Davenport, a nurse practitioner, is now advocating for stricter regulations or an outright ban on kratom sales in Tennessee to prevent further tragedies.

The committee acknowledged Tennessee's efforts in regulating prescription medications but recognized the need to address the dangers posed by kratom. The meeting concluded with a call for further examination of the substance's risks and the potential for legislative action to protect public health.