Cat’s Claw Drug Warning in Tennessee: What Nashville Families Should Know About MGM-15
Updated September 29, 2026
A new drug warning is drawing attention across Tennessee after authorities reported finding a kratom-derived compound known as MGM-15 in some products marketed as “Cat’s Claw.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation warned in September that it was seeing an increase in products carrying the Cat’s Claw name that actually contain MGM-15. The development comes less than three months after Tennessee’s kratom prohibition took effect on July 1, 2026.
For people in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee, the warning raises an important issue: the name or appearance of a product may not accurately reveal the psychoactive substances inside it.
Genuine cat’s claw is an herbal product derived from Uncaria plants. It is not kratom.
What Tennessee Consumers Need to Know
Tennessee authorities are warning about certain products marketed as Cat’s Claw that may contain kratom-derived compounds. Genuine botanical cat’s claw is a different plant and should not automatically be confused with the products involved in the warning.
What Is the Cat’s Claw Drug Warning in Tennessee?
On September 14, WSMV 4 Nashville reported on a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation warning involving products marketed as Cat’s Claw.
According to the report, the TBI said it was seeing an increase in Cat’s Claw products that actually contained MGM-15, described by authorities as a compound made from kratom.
The agency warned both consumers and retailers about relying on packaging to determine whether a product is safe or legal.
The issue did not disappear after the initial warning.
On September 18, WSMV reported that Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin warned Tennessee retailers that packaging alone should not be relied upon to determine whether products contain prohibited kratom compounds.
On September 23, WSMV again covered Cat’s Claw products as part of the continuing discussion surrounding Tennessee’s kratom prohibition.
For consumers, these warnings create a difficult question:
Do you actually know what is in the product you are taking?
Cat’s Claw and Kratom Are Not the Same Plant
Despite the recent warnings, genuine cat’s claw should not be confused with kratom.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health identifies cat’s claw as the common name for vines including Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. These plants are native to tropical regions of Central and South America.
Kratom comes from an entirely different plant, Mitragyna speciosa, which is native to Southeast Asia.
The concern in Tennessee is therefore not that genuine cat’s claw has suddenly become an illicit drug.
Instead, authorities say some products marketed using the Cat’s Claw name may contain kratom-derived compounds.
That difference is especially important when people are trying to determine what they have been taking and whether withdrawal could occur after stopping.
What Is MGM-15?
MGM-15 is the substance at the center of Tennessee’s latest 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 rapidly evolving market that already includes traditional kratom, concentrated kratom extracts and products containing high concentrations of kratom-related alkaloids.
These products should not automatically be treated as identical.
Differences in chemical composition and concentration can influence the effects someone experiences.
The bigger concern for consumers is uncertainty.
If the label on a product does not accurately identify the psychoactive compound inside it, someone may not know what they are taking, how potent it is or what could happen if they suddenly stop.
MGM-15, 7-OH and Traditional Kratom: What Is the Difference?
The terminology can become confusing.
Traditional kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa. Mitragynine is its predominant naturally occurring alkaloid.
7-OH, short for 7-hydroxymitragynine, is another kratom-related alkaloid that has become increasingly visible in concentrated products.
MGM-15 is another kratom-derived compound now receiving attention from Tennessee authorities because of products reportedly being marketed as Cat’s Claw.
These substances should not be assumed to have identical concentrations or effects.
For someone seeking medical help, it can be useful to bring the original package or provide clinicians with as much information as possible about the product, amount used, frequency of use and other substances taken at the same time.
Tennessee Treatment Providers Report Kratom and 7-OH Withdrawal
The Cat’s Claw warning comes as Tennessee treatment providers are already reporting another consequence of the changing kratom market: people seeking help with withdrawal.
NewsChannel 5 Nashville reported that treatment providers had experienced an increase in patients seeking help for kratom and 7-OH withdrawal after Tennessee’s July 1 ban.
One physician interviewed by the station said his treatment center was seeing more people seeking treatment related to kratom or 7-OH than fentanyl at that particular facility.
Reported withdrawal experiences included severe body aches and difficulty sleeping.
That facility’s experience does not establish statewide prevalence, but it demonstrates that kratom-related withdrawal is already bringing some Tennessee residents into treatment.
For someone who has been regularly using kratom, 7-OH or an unknown product marketed as Cat’s Claw, medical detox in Nashville can provide professional assessment and monitoring during the early stages of recovery.
Can Kratom Cause Withdrawal?
Regular kratom use can be associated with physical dependence and withdrawal.
Symptoms vary depending on factors such as the amount used, frequency of use, duration of use, concentration of the product, other substances involved and the individual’s health.
Someone who has been using concentrated kratom products may not necessarily know how much active alkaloid they have been consuming.
That becomes even more complicated with a product whose actual contents are uncertain.
Potential withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, sleep problems, gastrointestinal discomfort, muscle aches, mood changes and strong cravings.
Symptoms should not be self-diagnosed based solely on a product’s label.
A medical evaluation can help determine what level of care is appropriate.
Why Unknown Ingredients Can Make Withdrawal More Complicated
Detox planning begins with understanding what substances a person has been taking.
That is relatively straightforward when someone knows the drug, dosage and frequency.
A mislabeled or unexpectedly formulated product introduces another variable.
Someone may believe they have been taking an herbal supplement while actually being exposed to a psychoactive kratom derivative. Another person may know they are taking a kratom product but not realize how concentrated it is.
People may also combine these products with alcohol, prescription medications, opioids, benzodiazepines or other substances.
In those circumstances, treatment professionals need to evaluate the complete pattern of substance use rather than focusing exclusively on the name printed on one package.
Live Again Detox provides drug detox in Nashville for people who need professional support while stopping drugs and other substances.
Why Nashville Families Should Pay Attention to Gas Station and Smoke Shop Products
Substance use no longer involves only recognizable pills, powders or illicit drugs.
Products with psychoactive effects may appear as tablets, capsules, gummies, shots, extracts or brightly colored packages.
They may also be marketed using words such as “natural,” “herbal,” “botanical” or “extract.”
Availability at a convenience store, smoke shop or online retailer does not necessarily tell someone how potent a product is or whether repeated use can lead to dependence.
This creates a particular challenge for parents.
A package labeled Cat’s Claw may not immediately raise the same concerns as a bottle of prescription pills or a recognizable illicit substance.
The Tennessee warning demonstrates why families should pay attention to unfamiliar products even when their branding sounds harmless.
Warning Signs of Kratom or Emerging Drug Dependence
A person does not have to knowingly purchase an illicit substance to develop a problematic pattern of use.
Warning signs can include:
Using the product more frequently than intended.
Increasing the amount taken over time.
Experiencing strong cravings.
Feeling unable to function normally without it.
Trying to stop and repeatedly returning to use.
Experiencing physical or emotional symptoms when stopping.
Hiding purchases or use from loved ones.
Spending increasing amounts of money obtaining the substance.
Continuing despite problems involving health, work, school, finances or relationships.
These behaviors do not identify which substance is inside a product. They can, however, indicate that professional assessment may be appropriate.
What Should You Do if You Have Been Taking a Cat’s Claw Product?
Do not assume every supplement labeled Cat’s Claw contains MGM-15 or kratom.
Genuine botanical cat’s claw is a different plant.
However, if you purchased a Cat’s Claw-branded product from a convenience store, smoke shop, online seller or another retailer and have been using it regularly, check the packaging carefully.
Look for references to:
MGM-15
7-OH or 7-hydroxymitragynine
Mitragynine
Kratom
Mitragyna speciosa
Kratom extract
Alkaloids or concentrated alkaloids
If you are uncertain what you have been taking, a healthcare professional can help evaluate your symptoms and substance-use history.
Someone who has been using a psychoactive substance regularly should also avoid assuming that stopping will be easy simply because the product was sold as an herbal or retail product.
If a person is unconscious, cannot be awakened, is having difficulty breathing, experiences a seizure or develops another severe medical emergency, call 911.
A Rapidly Changing Tennessee Drug Market
The timeline surrounding kratom and Cat’s Claw illustrates how quickly new drug trends can develop.
For treatment providers, families and people using these products, the takeaway goes beyond a single brand or compound. The substance-use market can change faster than public awareness.
When Is Medical Detox Appropriate?
Not everyone who has used kratom or another substance will require inpatient medical detox.
The appropriate level of care depends on the substances involved, amount and frequency of use, withdrawal symptoms, co-occurring substance use, medical history, mental health symptoms and previous withdrawal experiences.
Medical detox provides an environment where healthcare professionals can evaluate symptoms and monitor someone as substances leave the body.
It can also create a transition into continued addiction treatment when additional support is needed.
At Live Again Detox, our Nashville team provides medical detoxification for people beginning recovery from substance use.
Because detox addresses the early physical phase of recovery rather than every factor contributing to addiction, continued treatment may be recommended after stabilization.
What Happens After Detox?
Completing detox can be an important beginning, but long-term recovery often requires more than managing withdrawal.
Some people transition into residential treatment in Nashville where they can continue working on the behavioral, psychological and social factors associated with substance use.
Treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, recovery education, mental health support, relapse-prevention planning and preparation for the next level of care.
Live Again Detox also helps clients develop an aftercare plan based on their continuing recovery needs.
Get Help for Kratom, 7-OH or Unknown Substance Use in Nashville
If you or someone you love has been regularly using kratom, 7-OH, a product marketed as Cat’s Claw or another psychoactive substance and is struggling to stop, you do not need to identify every chemical in the product before asking for help.
Live Again Detox provides medical detox and residential addiction treatment in Nashville, Tennessee.
Our admissions team can discuss the substance being used, withdrawal symptoms, other drugs or medications involved, treatment history, insurance coverage and whether detox may be appropriate.
Call Live Again Detox at 629-465-4221 to speak with our admissions team.
Learn About Medical Detox in Nashville
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat’s Claw and Kratom
Is Cat’s Claw the same thing as kratom?
No. Genuine cat’s claw and kratom come from different plants. Tennessee authorities are warning about some 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 recently received attention after authorities reported finding it in some products marketed as Cat’s Claw.
Is MGM-15 the same as 7-OH?
No. The terms should not be used interchangeably. 7-OH is short for 7-hydroxymitragynine, a kratom-related alkaloid. MGM-15 is another kratom-derived compound identified in recent Tennessee warnings.
Why is Tennessee warning people about Cat’s Claw?
Authorities say some products marketed as Cat’s Claw may contain prohibited kratom-derived compounds despite packaging that may suggest something different.
Does every Cat’s Claw supplement contain kratom?
No. Genuine botanical cat’s claw is different from kratom. The Tennessee warnings concern certain products being marketed under the Cat’s Claw name.
Can kratom cause withdrawal?
Regular use of kratom and some kratom-derived products can be associated with dependence and withdrawal. Symptoms and severity can vary considerably from person to person.
What are common signs of dependence?
Possible signs include increasing use, cravings, unsuccessful attempts to stop, withdrawal symptoms, hiding use and continuing to take a substance despite negative consequences.
Should I detox from kratom at home?
The appropriate setting depends on the substance, frequency and amount of use, withdrawal symptoms, other substances involved and a person’s medical history. A professional assessment can help determine whether medical detox is appropriate.
What should I do if I do not know what was in the product?
Tell a healthcare professional as much as possible about the product and your use. If available, keep the original packaging. Severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, unconsciousness or seizures require emergency medical attention.
Is kratom illegal in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s prohibition on kratom took effect July 1, 2026.
Medical and Clinical Review
This article is educational and does not replace individualized medical assessment. Complete medical and clinical review before publication.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. “Cat’s Claw.” National Institutes of Health.
- 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.
- NewsChannel 5 Nashville. “Tennessee’s kratom ban brings wave of withdrawal patients to treatment centers.” September 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.
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Addiction Statistics in Dickson County
Claim: Tennessee, including Dickson County, faces high rates of substance abuse, with opioid misuse (especially fentanyl and oxycodone) contributing to most overdose deaths.
Reference:
Tennessee Department of Health. (2023). Tennessee drug overdose deaths report. https://www.tn.gov/health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Drug overdose deaths by state. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose
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Understanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Claim: Substance use disorder is a chronic but treatable condition that alters brain function and behavior, requiring evidence-based interventions.
Reference:
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). The science of drug use and addiction: The basics. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction
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Types of Treatment Options Available
Claim: Treatment in Dickson County includes medical detox, residential care, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and outpatient counseling to address varying levels of need.
Reference:
American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2020). The ASAM criteria: Treatment criteria for addictive, substance-related, and co-occurring conditions (4th ed.). Rockville, MD: Author.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Treatment approaches for drug addiction. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment
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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Claim: MAT with medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone is proven to reduce withdrawal, cravings, and relapse in opioid addiction.
Reference:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Medications for opioid use disorder. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions
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Supportive Services & Community Resources
Claim: Peer support groups, family counseling, and local recovery organizations in Dickson County provide ongoing recovery support.
Reference:
SAMHSA. (2023). Recovery and recovery support. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help
Mayo Clinic. (2024). Substance use disorder: Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/substance-use-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365112
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Continuing Care & Relapse Prevention
Claim: Long-term recovery requires ongoing outpatient therapy, relapse prevention planning, and access to community-based supports.
Reference:
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Recovery from addiction: A lifelong process. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/treatment-recovery
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