Traditional Kratom
Traditional kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa. Mitragynine is the plant’s predominant naturally occurring alkaloid.
Cat’s Claw Drug Warning in Tennessee: What to Know About MGM-15 and Kratom Withdrawal
Tennessee authorities are warning consumers about products marketed as “Cat’s Claw” that may actually contain MGM-15, a compound made from kratom.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued the warning in September after reporting an increase in products carrying the Cat’s Claw name that contained the kratom-derived compound. The warning comes only a few months after Tennessee’s statewide kratom prohibition took effect on July 1, 2026.
For people in Nashville, La Vergne, Smyrna, Murfreesboro and other Middle Tennessee communities, the concern goes beyond one product name.
Consumers may not always know what psychoactive substance is actually inside a package based on the label alone.
That uncertainty becomes especially important when someone begins using the product regularly, develops cravings or experiences withdrawal when they try to stop.
Updated September 29, 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.
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.
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.
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 product that may contain kratom, MGM-15 or 7-OH, consider how often you use it and what happens when you miss a dose.
Experiencing cravings, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, body aches or other withdrawal symptoms may indicate physical dependence.
A professional assessment can help determine whether medical detox is appropriate.
Tennessee Detox Center offers kratom detox near Nashville for people who need help stabilizing after regular kratom or concentrated-product use.
If someone is unconscious, cannot be awakened, has difficulty breathing, experiences a seizure or develops 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
The timeline surrounding kratom and Cat’s Claw demonstrates how fast emerging drug trends can change.
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-related withdrawal treatment and continued concerns surrounding Cat’s Claw and concentrated kratom compounds. Within less than three months, public attention moved from traditional kratom to concentrated derivatives, 7-OH, MGM-15 and products being sold under unfamiliar names. For families and treatment providers, the larger lesson is that substance-use trends can evolve faster than public awareness.
What Happens During Kratom Detox at Tennessee Detox Center?
Kratom detox at Tennessee Detox Center begins with an individualized assessment.
The clinical team considers factors such as:
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.
During detox, staff can monitor sleep, hydration, appetite, mood, cravings, anxiety and physical symptoms while adjusting the treatment plan as needed.
Medication may be used when clinically appropriate to help manage specific withdrawal symptoms.
The goal is stabilization followed by a plan for continued 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.
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.
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.
Medical and Clinical Review
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Vahid Osman, M.D.
Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist
Complete medical review before publication.
Clinically Reviewed By: Josh Sprung, L.C.S.W.
Board-Certified Clinical Social Worker
Complete clinical review before publication.
Sources
- 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.”
→ 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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