business
Tennessee addiction centers prepare for influx of kratom users ahead of the July 1 statewide ban
By Chris Davis at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· June 23, 2026
· 3 min read
Kratom, a product sold at gas stations and smoke shops across Tennessee, will be illegal to sell or consume in the state starting July 1 under a new law passed this legislative session.State Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes (R-Hamilton County) pushed for the ban, calling kratom dangerous. "And is often ...
Key takeaway "And is often referred to as gas station heroin," Helton-Haynes said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
As the July 1 deadline approaches, Nashville 's addiction centers are bracing for an influx of new patients seeking help with kratom dependence. The ban's impact will be felt across the city, where kratom has been readily available at gas stations and smoke shops. Local medical professionals like Dr. Louis Lerebours are warning of the risks associated with kratom use, including significant dependence and withdrawal symptoms. With the FDA not recognizing kratom as having any legitimate medical usage, Nashville's recovery centers will play a critical role in helping users navigate the transition. The city's treatment facilities, such as Freeman Recovery Center and Apex Recovery, will need to be equipped to handle the potential surge in patients seeking kratom detox and opioid treatment. It remains to be seen how the ban will affect Nashville's addiction landscape, but one thing is certain - the city's recovery centers will be on the front lines of addressing the issue.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Kratom, a product sold at gas stations and smoke shops across Tennessee, will be illegal to sell or consume in the state starting July 1 under a new law passed this legislative session.State Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes (R-Hamilton County) pushed for the ban, calling kratom dangerous. "And is often ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chris Davis at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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