Senate Joint Resolution 346, sponsored by Gardenhire, addresses the growing concern over the regulation of Kratom, a substance used by approximately 1.7 million Americans for self-treatment of various medical conditions. Despite its legal status in Tennessee, Kratom has been linked to serious health risks, including overdose and death, with over 2,000 fatal kratom-related overdoses reported from 2021 to 2023. The resolution highlights the lack of regulation surrounding Kratom's sale, which is often found in convenience stores without proper labeling or warnings about its potential dangers. The tragic case of Matthew Davenport, who died from a lethal interaction between prescribed medications and Kratom, underscores the urgent need for action.

The resolution calls for the strictest state regulation of Kratom or an outright ban on its sale in Tennessee, reflecting the growing trend among other states to either regulate or prohibit the substance due to its addictive properties and associated health risks. It emphasizes the responsibility of the state to protect families and communities from harmful substances, advocating for measures similar to those already implemented for prescription opioids. The resolution aims to prevent further tragedies and ensure that individuals are not exposed to unregulated and potentially dangerous products.