Which ingredients were involved?
The exact product, compound and concentration were not confirmed for each encounter.
Cat’s Claw Drug Warning in Tennessee: MGM-15, Overdose Reports and Withdrawal
For residents of Nashville, La Vergne, Smyrna, Murfreesboro and surrounding communities, unfamiliar products sold under familiar herbal names may carry unexpected opioid-like effects. Someone experiencing dependence or withdrawal can request a medical assessment even when the exact ingredients are unknown.
The National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS) identified 82 suspected nonfatal overdose-related EMS encounters mentioning Cat’s Claw nationwide during January 1–October 31, 2026; 51 were identified in Tennessee. These are surveillance records, not laboratory-confirmed overdoses attributable to a single compound.
Tennessee officials are warning about certain products marketed as “Cat’s Claw” that may contain potent kratom-derived compounds, including MGM-15. New surveillance findings published November 6, 2026, add urgency to earlier warnings.
Updated November 9, 2026
Important distinction: Genuine botanical cat’s claw is not kratom. The Tennessee warning concerns certain products marketed under the Cat’s Claw name that authorities say contain kratom-derived compounds.
On This Page
November 2026 Update: 51 Suspected Cat’s Claw EMS Encounters in Tennessee
On November 6, 2026, NDEWS published surveillance findings describing suspected nonfatal overdose-related emergency medical services (EMS) encounters in which Cat’s Claw terminology appeared in the records. The surveillance period was January 1 through October 31, 2026.
82Suspected nonfatal overdose-related EMS encounters identified nationwide
51Encounters identified in Tennessee during the same reporting period
Reports also appeared in other states, although some small state-level counts were suppressed. Records referenced Cat’s Claw pills, supplements or other marketed formulations.
What these numbers do—and do not—mean: The 51 Tennessee encounters were identified across January–October, not during November. EMS mentions do not confirm that all patients used an identical product, that MGM-15 was involved in every case or that laboratory testing proved a particular cause. Differences in surveillance coverage and reporting also prevent treating this count as a comparative state overdose rate.
Why the Tennessee findings matter
Tennessee accounted for about 62% of the encounters identified in this report. The concentration warrants attention from residents, clinicians and public-health teams, while remaining a signal for further investigation rather than proof of statewide prevalence.
What researchers still need to establish
Were other substances involved?
The reported encounters do not establish how often other medications or substances contributed.
What happened after EMS care?
The data do not consistently establish subsequent hospital outcomes or laboratory findings.
How widespread are the products?
The report does not establish their prevalence in Tennessee retail settings.
Why Tennessee Officials Are Warning About Cat’s Claw
On September 14, WSMV 4 Nashville reported on a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation warning involving products marketed as Cat’s Claw.
Read the WSMV report on Tennessee’s Cat’s Claw warning.
According to the report, TBI said it was seeing an increase in products marketed as Cat’s Claw that actually contain MGM-15, which authorities described as a compound made from kratom.
TBI cautioned consumers and retailers not to assume a product is safe or legal simply because of the name printed on the package.
The warning continued to gain attention later in September.
WSMV reported on September 18 that Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin warned retailers they could not rely exclusively on packaging to determine whether a product contains prohibited kratom-related substances.
That creates an important question for anyone using unfamiliar extracts, supplements, gummies, tablets or botanical-style products:
Do you actually know what is in the product you are taking?
Genuine Cat’s Claw Is Not Kratom
One of the most important parts of this story is understanding what Tennessee officials are actually warning about.
Genuine botanical cat’s claw is not kratom.
Cat’s claw generally refers to plants in the Uncaria genus that are native to tropical regions of Central and South America.
Kratom comes from a different plant, Mitragyna speciosa, which is native to Southeast Asia.
The Tennessee warning therefore does not mean that every herbal supplement labeled Cat’s Claw contains kratom.
Instead, authorities are concerned about certain products marketed under the Cat’s Claw name that reportedly contain MGM-15 or other kratom-related compounds.
This difference matters when someone is trying to determine what they have been taking and whether dependence or withdrawal may have developed.
Why Mislabeled Cat’s Claw Products Can Be Dangerous
The warning does not mean genuine botanical cat’s claw has become an opioid. Investigations have identified certain products marketed with that name that reportedly contain undeclared kratom-derived substances, including MGM-15. Other concentrated kratom-related compounds include 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI). These compounds should not be treated as interchangeable; their strength, pharmacology and effects can differ.
Unexpected opioid-like effects
Unknown ingredients may contribute to excessive sedation, slowed breathing or other medical emergencies.
Dependence and withdrawal
Repeated use of products containing psychoactive compounds may produce cravings, physical dependence and withdrawal.
Uncertain interactions
Other medicines, alcohol, sedatives or opioids can change risk. A label alone may not accurately describe the exposure.
Emergency guidance: If someone is unconscious, breathing slowly or cannot be awakened, call 911 immediately. Give naloxone if available when opioid exposure is suspected. Emergency assessment is still necessary because the ingredients may be unknown.
What Is MGM-15?
MGM-15 is the compound at the center of Tennessee’s recent Cat’s Claw warning.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has described MGM-15 as a compound made from kratom.
Its emergence adds another name to a marketplace that already includes:
Traditional kratom
Mitragynine
7-OH
7-hydroxymitragynine
Kratom extracts
Concentrated kratom alkaloids
These substances should not automatically be treated as identical.
Products may differ substantially in concentration, formulation and psychoactive effects.
For consumers, the biggest issue may be that a product’s branding does not necessarily reveal what compounds or concentrations it contains.
MGM-15, 7-OH and Traditional Kratom: What Is the Difference?
The terminology surrounding these products can become confusing quickly.
Traditional Kratom
Traditional kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa. Mitragynine is the plant’s predominant naturally occurring alkaloid.
7-OH
7-OH is short for 7-hydroxymitragynine. It is a kratom-related alkaloid that has received increasing attention as concentrated 7-OH products have appeared in convenience stores, smoke shops and other retail channels.
MGM-15
MGM-15 is another kratom-derived compound now receiving attention because Tennessee authorities say it has appeared in some products marketed as Cat’s Claw. The fact that these compounds are related to kratom does not mean they should be assumed to have the same concentration or effects. Someone seeking help should provide healthcare professionals with as much information as possible about the product, amount used, frequency of use and any other drugs or medications taken at the same time. Keeping the original package can also be helpful when the ingredients are uncertain.
Kratom Withdrawal Is Becoming a Tennessee Treatment Issue
The Cat’s Claw warning is occurring at the same time Tennessee treatment providers are seeing people seek help for kratom and 7-OH withdrawal.
WSMV reported on September 23 that withdrawal-management providers were seeing a substantial number of people entering treatment because of kratom-related use.
Read WSMV’s report on kratom, withdrawal and Tennessee’s ban.
The report cited one withdrawal-management provider who said more than half of its patients were participating in a kratom detox program.
The experience of a single provider does not establish statewide prevalence.
It does demonstrate, however, that kratom dependence and withdrawal are already bringing some Tennesseans into treatment.
Tennessee Detox Center provides dedicated kratom detox in Tennessee for people struggling with daily kratom use, concentrated extracts, cravings or withdrawal.
What Does Kratom Withdrawal Feel Like?
Kratom withdrawal can vary considerably from person to person.
Symptoms can depend on how often someone uses the substance, the strength of the product, whether concentrated extracts are involved, how long use has continued and whether other substances are being taken at the same time.
Possible physical symptoms include:
Muscle aches and body discomfort.
Sweating or chills.
Nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Restlessness.
Fatigue.
Tremors.
Sleep disruption.
Emotional and behavioral symptoms may include:
Irritability.
Depressed mood.
Agitation.
Difficulty concentrating.
Strong cravings.
Some people experience a combination of physical and emotional symptoms.
Tennessee Detox Center’s medical detox program in Tennessee provides structured withdrawal monitoring and individualized stabilization for people who may need professional support while stopping drugs or alcohol.
Signs Kratom Use May Have Become Dependence
Kratom use can begin for many different reasons.
Some people use it for energy or mood.
Others use it for pain.
Some begin using kratom to try to manage opioid withdrawal or reduce opioid use.
Over time, however, a person’s relationship with the substance can change.
Signs of possible dependence may include:
Increasing Use
A person begins using kratom more frequently or taking larger amounts than originally intended.
Needing Stronger Products
Powders or capsules may eventually be replaced with stronger extracts or concentrated products.
Cravings
The person begins thinking frequently about the next dose or feels unable to function normally without it.
Withdrawal Between Doses
Anxiety, restlessness, muscle discomfort, sweating, insomnia or other symptoms may appear when a dose is delayed.
Difficulty Stopping
Repeated attempts to reduce or stop use may end with return to kratom because withdrawal or cravings become difficult to manage.
Life Consequences
Use continues despite problems involving health, finances, work, school or relationships. When kratom use begins controlling someone’s schedule, mood or daily functioning, professional assessment may be appropriate.
Why Unknown Product Ingredients Make Detox More Complicated
Medical detox planning begins with understanding what substances a person has been taking.
That becomes more difficult when a product’s contents are uncertain.
A person may believe they are using a botanical product while actually being exposed to a potent kratom derivative.
Another person may know they are taking kratom but not know how concentrated the product is.
Someone may also be using kratom alongside opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants or prescription medications.
These differences can influence withdrawal symptoms, medical risk and the treatment plan.
That is why detox professionals evaluate the complete substance-use history rather than focusing only on the name printed on one package.
What Should You Look for on a Cat’s Claw or Kratom Product?
If you have been using a product marketed as Cat’s Claw, kratom or another botanical extract, examine the ingredient list carefully.
Terms that may indicate kratom or a kratom-derived product include:
MGM-15
7-OH
7-hydroxymitragynine
Mitragynine
Kratom
Mitragyna speciosa
Kratom extract
Alkaloid extract
Concentrated alkaloids
Not every Cat’s Claw product contains these ingredients.
Genuine botanical cat’s claw is different from kratom.
If you are uncertain what you have been taking, do not rely on branding alone to identify the substance.
What Should You Do if You Have Been Using One of These Products?
If you have been regularly using a Cat’s Claw-branded product, concentrated kratom extract, 7-OH or another unfamiliar substance, tell a healthcare professional what you know about it. Helpful details include the product name, packaging, amount and frequency used, time of the last dose, current symptoms and other medicines or substances taken.
Withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, sweating or body aches may indicate physical dependence. Do not assume a product is safe solely because it is marketed as an herbal supplement.
An individualized clinical assessment can help determine whether medically supervised withdrawal management is appropriate. Learn about Tennessee Detox Center’s kratom detox program and its approach to stabilization.
If someone has slow breathing, cannot be awakened or experiences a seizure or another severe medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Why Opioid History Matters During Kratom Detox
Kratom is especially relevant to addiction treatment because some people begin using it to reduce opioid use or manage opioid withdrawal.
That can create a difficult cycle.
A person may stop using prescription opioids, heroin or fentanyl but begin relying heavily on kratom to avoid withdrawal or cravings.
If they later stop kratom, discomfort and cravings may increase the risk of returning to stronger opioids.
For people with an opioid-use history, detox planning should consider both current kratom dependence and the risk of opioid relapse.
Tennessee Detox Center provides opioid detox in Tennessee for people who need medically supervised withdrawal support related to prescription opioids, heroin, fentanyl or other opioid substances.
Tennessee’s Drug Market Changed Quickly in 2026
This timeline shows how Tennessee’s policy changes, law-enforcement alerts, media coverage and overdose surveillance findings built the current Cat’s Claw warning.
July 1, 2026
Tennessee’s kratom prohibition takes effect.
September 14
TBI’s warning about Cat’s Claw products containing MGM-15 receives statewide attention.
September 18
Coffee County authorities warn retailers that packaging may not be enough to determine whether products contain prohibited kratom compounds.
September 23
Nashville reporting highlights kratom withdrawal treatment and continued concerns about concentrated kratom-related products.
November 6, 2026
NDEWS publishes findings on 82 suspected nonfatal overdose-related EMS encounters nationwide, including 51 in Tennessee, during January–October 2026.
November 9, 2026
Tennessee Detox Center updates this resource with the NDEWS findings and their surveillance limitations.
What Happens During Kratom Detox at Tennessee Detox Center?
Kratom detox at Tennessee Detox Center begins with an individualized assessment so the treatment plan reflects the person, the product and the symptoms involved.
What the clinical team evaluates
- The type of kratom or product used
- How much is being taken
- How frequently it is used
- Whether extracts or concentrated products are involved
- When the last dose was taken
- Current withdrawal symptoms
- Previous opioid use
- Other substances or medications
- Medical conditions
- Mental health symptoms
What detox support may include
- Monitoring sleep, hydration, appetite, mood, cravings, anxiety and physical symptoms
- Adjusting the treatment plan as symptoms change
- Using medication when clinically appropriate to help manage specific withdrawal symptoms
- Planning for stabilization followed by continued recovery support
Clinical goal: The purpose of detox is stabilization, safer withdrawal management and a clear plan for what comes next in recovery.
Detox Is Only the Beginning
Getting through withdrawal is an important step, but dependence involves more than the physical effects of stopping a substance.
Many people use kratom to manage anxiety, depression, chronic stress, pain, trauma symptoms or opioid cravings.
If those underlying concerns are not addressed, the risk of returning to substance use can remain.
After detox, someone may transition into residential treatment, outpatient treatment, therapy, dual-diagnosis care or another appropriate level of support.
Tennessee Detox Center also provides kratom rehab in Tennessee for people who need structured treatment after the withdrawal period.
Kratom Detox Near Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Tennessee Detox Center is located in La Vergne, Tennessee, near Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Franklin and Brentwood.
Our location provides access to medically supervised detox for adults throughout Middle Tennessee and across the state.
Tennessee Detox Center is located at:
509 Lake Forest Drive
La Vergne, TN 37086
People seeking kratom withdrawal support can call our admissions team to discuss symptoms, insurance benefits and whether detox may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat’s Claw, MGM-15 and Kratom
Is Cat’s Claw the same thing as kratom?
No. Genuine botanical cat’s claw and kratom come from different plants. Tennessee authorities are warning about certain products marketed under the Cat’s Claw name that may contain kratom-derived compounds.
What is MGM-15?
Tennessee authorities have described MGM-15 as a compound made from kratom. It received attention after authorities reported finding it in some products marketed as Cat’s Claw.
Does every Cat’s Claw product contain MGM-15?
No. Genuine botanical cat’s claw is different from kratom. The Tennessee warning concerns certain products being marketed using the Cat’s Claw name.
Is MGM-15 the same as 7-OH?
No. The terms should not be used interchangeably. 7-OH refers to 7-hydroxymitragynine, a kratom-related alkaloid. MGM-15 is another kratom-derived compound identified in recent Tennessee warnings.
Can kratom cause withdrawal?
Yes. Regular kratom use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal in some people. Symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, body aches, sweating, nausea, cravings and restlessness.
How long does kratom withdrawal last?
The timeline varies depending on the product, dose, frequency, length of use and individual health. Some symptoms may begin within a day of the last dose and become more intense over the following several days.
Can I detox from kratom at home?
Some people attempt to stop on their own, but medical support may be appropriate when withdrawal symptoms are significant, concentrated extracts are involved, other substances are being used or previous attempts to stop have not worked.
Why does opioid history matter?
Some people use kratom to manage opioid withdrawal or cravings. When kratom is stopped, discomfort or cravings can increase the risk of returning to stronger opioids.
What should I do if I do not know what was in the product?
Keep the package if possible and tell a healthcare professional what you know about the product, amount used, frequency of use and symptoms you are experiencing.
Where can I get kratom detox near Nashville?
Tennessee Detox Center provides medically supervised kratom detox in La Vergne, Tennessee, near Nashville and communities throughout Middle Tennessee.
How many Cat’s Claw overdoses were reported in Tennessee in 2026?
NDEWS identified 51 suspected nonfatal overdose-related EMS encounters mentioning Cat’s Claw in Tennessee during January 1–October 31, 2026. The encounters were not 51 laboratory-confirmed overdoses attributed to a specific product.
Did Tennessee confirm 51 MGM-15 overdoses?
No. The NDEWS report does not establish that all 51 Tennessee encounters involved MGM-15 or that their exact chemical exposures were laboratory-confirmed.
Is every Cat’s Claw supplement dangerous?
No. Genuine botanical cat’s claw differs from kratom. Warnings concern certain products marketed under that name that may contain undeclared kratom-derived substances.
Can naloxone help with an overdose involving a mislabeled Cat’s Claw product?
Naloxone can reverse opioid effects and should be administered if an opioid overdose is suspected. Call 911; emergency evaluation remains essential because the ingredients may be unknown.
Medical and Clinical Review
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Vahid Osman, M.D.
Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist
Dr. Vahid Osman is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist who has extensive experience in skillfully treating patients with mental illness, chemical dependency and developmental disorders. Dr. Osman has trained in Psychiatry in France and in Austin, Texas.
Read more
Clinically Reviewed By
Josh Sprung, L.C.S.W.
Board Certified Clinical Social Worker
Joshua Sprung serves as a Clinical Reviewer at Tennessee Detox Center, bringing a wealth of expertise to ensure exceptional patient care.
Read MoreSources
- National Drug Early Warning System. “National Signals for EMS Encounters of Suspected Nonfatal Overdoses Involving Cat’s Claw, January 1–October 31, 2026.” November 6, 2026.
- National Drug Early Warning System. “Weekly Briefing, Issue 310: This Week’s Focus — Cat’s Claw.” November 6, 2026.
- WSMV 4 Nashville. “What is ‘Cat’s Claw’ and why is Tennessee law enforcement warning public about it containing illegal compound?” September 14, 2026.
- WSMV 4 Nashville. “Tennessee sheriff warning stores to remove kratom products or face felony charges. Here’s what to know.” September 18, 2026.
- WSMV 4 Nashville. “Why did Tennessee ban kratom? What to know about ‘gas station heroin’ in wake of Ole Miss students deaths.” September 23, 2026.
- Tennessee Detox Center. “Kratom Detox in Tennessee.”
- Tennessee Detox Center. “Kratom Rehab in Tennessee.”
- Tennessee Detox Center. “Medical Detox in Tennessee.”
Get Help for Kratom, MGM-15 or 7-OH Dependence in Tennessee
You do not need to know the exact chemistry of a product before asking for help.
If you or someone you love has been regularly using kratom, 7-OH, MGM-15, a Cat’s Claw-branded product or another psychoactive substance and is having difficulty stopping, Tennessee Detox Center can help you understand the next step.
Treatment may begin with medically supervised withdrawal management and continue with structured addiction treatment based on individual needs.
Call Tennessee Detox Center at 615-488-5311 for confidential admissions support.
→ Contributors
Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist 
Board Certified Clinical Social Worker
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Vahid Osman, M.D.Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist
Dr. Vahid Osman is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist who has extensive experience in skillfully treating patients with mental illness, chemical dependency and developmental disorders. Dr. Osman has trained in Psychiatry in France and in Austin, Texas. Read more.
Clinically Reviewed By:
Josh Sprung, L.C.S.W.Board Certified Clinical Social Worker
Joshua Sprung serves as a Clinical Reviewer at Tennessee Detox Center, bringing a wealth of expertise to ensure exceptional patient care. Read More
→ Sources
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- Crisis Text Line. (n.d.). Get help now. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.crisistextline.org/
- Harvard Kennedy School – Belfer Center. (n.d.). Programs on international security and diplomacy. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.belfercenter.org/
- Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma. (n.d.). Training and research for conflict-affected populations. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://hprt-cambridge.org/
- International OCD Foundation. (n.d.). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder support and resources. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from 1 rel=”nofollow external noopener noreferrer”2https://iocdf.org/
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. (n.d.). About ISTSS. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.istss.org/
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