06/10/2026
‼️Lewis County Applauds Statewide Kratom Ban That Takes Effect July 1, 2026 ‼️
Lewis County Government is applauding the State of Tennessee's recent passage of legislation banning Kratom statewide, a move local leaders believe will help protect public health and safety.
The bill, known as "Matthew Davenport's Law," was approved by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on May 7, 2026. The ban becomes effective next month, making Tennessee the 8th state in the nation to fully prohibit Kratom.
Under the new law, knowingly possessing Kratom will be a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, and fines of up to $2,500. Manufacturing, delivering, or selling Kratom will become a Class C felony, while selling Kratom to a minor will be a Class B felony.
Lewis County played an early role in bringing attention to the concerns surrounding Kratom thanks to an awareness campaign and community-wide petition led by Cazz and Toni Crowder, who were impacted by the addictiveness and high-costs associated with Kratom.
In January of 2026, the Crowder’s worked with Lewis County Mayor, Jonah Keltner, to present a Resolution to the County Commission, which requested the General Assembly enact statewide legislation prohibiting the sale, distribution, and possession of synthetic, unregulated Kratom in pill, capsule, or tablet form.
The measure was passed unanimously by Commissioners, then submitted to State Representative, Jody Barrett, and State Senator, Dr. Joey Hensley, whom supported the bill in the General Assembly.
"I’m proud that Lewis County played a role in helping bring attention to this major issue,” stated Mayor Keltner.
“When Commissioners passed this resolution, our goal was simple: protect the health, safety, and well-being of our citizens, especially our young people. The state listened, and soon enacted legislation that will have a positive impact all across Tennessee.
"This is a great example of citizens working with their local government to identify a growing problem, communicating those concerns to state leaders, and helping bring about meaningful change.
“I’m very grateful to Cazz and Toni, our Commissioners and State Legislators, Governor Lee, and everyone else who helped ban Kratom and make Tennessee a safer place for families and future generations."
The statewide ban takes effect July 1, 2026. Businesses currently selling Kratom are encouraged to remove products from their shelves and ensure compliance with state law prior to that date.
