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 marketed as a safe herbal supplement but has been banned in several countries due to its potential for abuse and addiction.
The resolution calls for strict state regulation or an outright ban on Kratom sales in Tennessee, emphasizing the need to protect families and communities from the dangers associated with this unregulated substance. It references the tragic case of Matthew Davenport, who died from a lethal interaction between prescribed medications and Kratom, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue. The resolution reflects Tennessee's commitment to public health and safety, advocating for measures similar to those already implemented to combat prescription drug abuse.