KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Kratom will no longer be sold in Tennessee beginning July 1 after lawmakers approved a ban on the substance, which they have labeled “gas station heroin.”
The move has sparked concern from both business owners and addiction recovery advocates who say the impact could be significant.
Kratom, which is often sold in capsule and powder form, has been linked to addiction. Some recovery experts say withdrawal symptoms can be severe.
“Some of the folks we’ve worked with have said it’s been worse than coming off heroin, and that’s scary for our communities,” said Ashlee Krouse with Renew Clinic in Knoxville.
Krouse, who is in recovery herself, says while the ban could provide long-term benefits, the immediate effects are uncertain.
“One of my biggest concerns is the risk of people going back to opioids that may have used kratom to get off of them,” she said.
Business owners say the financial impact will also be substantial. Paul DiBrito, CEO of Kats Botanicals, says he is already cutting off distribution in Tennessee and plans to move operations out of state.
He estimates losing about 3,500 customers in Tennessee, with average spending of roughly $120 per month—amounting to more than $5 million in annual revenue.
“They might go back to rehab, and some people might turn to the black market,” DiBrito said.
Recovery centers say they are preparing for an increase in patients ahead of the deadline.
Drew Mann with Renew Clinic urges anyone using kratom to seek help now.
“Do your homework before July 1, so you’re not forced into dealing with withdrawal unprepared,” Mann said.
While Knoxville has recently seen a decline in opioid-related cases, providers worry the new ban could reverse that trend.
