KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Tennessee authorities are warning consumers and retailers about a potentially dangerous product being sold under the name “Cat’s Claw” after laboratory testing revealed some products may actually contain illegal kratom-derived compounds.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says it is seeing an increase in products marketed as “Cat’s Claw” that contain MGM-15, a compound made from kratom. While genuine Cat’s Claw is a legal South American vine commonly sold as an herbal supplement, investigators say some products bearing that label contain substances that are prohibited under Tennessee law.
The warning comes just months after Tennessee’s statewide kratom ban took effect on July 1 under Matthew Davenport’s Law, which makes it illegal to possess, manufacture, sell or distribute kratom anywhere in the state. Officials say consumers may unknowingly purchase illegal products because of misleading labels and packaging.
According to the TBI, some products sold as Cat’s Claw contain MGM-15, which is derived from kratom and has been linked to overdose concerns. Investigators say kratom has been associated with multiple deadly overdoses, prompting the state’s crackdown on the substance.
The warning is particularly relevant for East Tennessee consumers because products marketed as herbal supplements are commonly sold in smoke shops, vape stores, convenience stores and other retail outlets. Authorities have not identified specific Knoxville businesses selling the products, but the TBI says retailers statewide should verify their inventory and remove potentially mislabeled items.
TBI officials say consumers should not assume a product is legal or safe simply because the package says “Cat’s Claw.” Investigators report that some tested products failed to disclose the presence of kratom-derived compounds on their ingredient labels.
The agency recently reported receiving multiple submissions involving suspected Cat’s Claw products. According to published reports, TBI crime laboratories have documented numerous instances since July in which products labeled as Cat’s Claw were found to contain kratom-related substances.
AAA and public health officials are not involved in the warning, but substance abuse experts quoted in state reports noted that taking a product without knowing its true contents can create serious health risks, including overdose.
The TBI is encouraging both retailers and consumers across Tennessee, including Knoxville, to carefully inspect products and verify ingredients before purchase or use. Anyone struggling with substance abuse or concerned about someone else’s use of illegal substances can contact the Tennessee RedLine at 800-889-9789.
