Updated September 29, 2026
A new drug warning from Tennessee is raising questions for families across Kentucky about products marketed as “Cat’s Claw,” the kratom-related compound MGM-15, concentrated 7-OH products, and the growing difficulty of knowing exactly what some products contain.
In September 2026, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation warned that it was seeing an increase in products marketed as Cat’s Claw that authorities said actually contained MGM-15, which TBI described as a compound made from kratom.
For Kentucky residents, the broader concern crosses state lines: the name on a package may not tell someone exactly what substance they are consuming.
What Is the Cat’s Claw Drug Warning?
Genuine botanical cat’s claw is not kratom. Cat’s claw commonly refers to plants in the Uncaria genus. Kratom comes from Mitragyna speciosa, a different plant.
Why Tennessee Officials Are Warning About Cat’s Claw Products
On September 14, WSMV reported that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was warning consumers and retailers about products labeled Cat’s Claw that authorities said may contain MGM-15.
The warning followed an earlier Greenbrier, Tennessee investigation in which authorities reported preliminary findings involving mitragynine, dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine and other substances.
Unknown or Mislabeled Products Deserve Caution
Those findings should not be generalized to every product sold under the Cat’s Claw name, but they demonstrate why product branding alone may not tell consumers exactly what they are taking.
Kratom, 7-OH and MGM-15 Are Different
The terminology surrounding these products can become confusing quickly. Kratom, 7-OH and MGM-15 should not be treated as interchangeable.
Kratom
Kratom comes from Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. Mitragynine is one of its primary naturally occurring alkaloids.
7-OH
7-OH is short for 7-hydroxymitragynine. Concentrated 7-OH products can contain substantially different concentrations than traditional kratom leaf products.
MGM-15
MGM-15 refers to dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine, a compound related to 7-OH.
Bring the Product Packaging if Possible
If treatment is needed, telling the clinical team what product was used and bringing the original packaging may provide useful information about ingredients or concentrations.
Why This Warning Matters in Kentucky
Kentucky regulates kratom products while placing additional restrictions on certain concentrated or synthetic substances.
Kentucky currently designates 7-hydroxymitragynine concentrated above 400 parts per million on a dry-weight basis as a Schedule I controlled substance. That designation does not apply to mitragynine.
Product Names Can Be Misleading
A brand name by itself does not establish exactly what is inside a particular package.
Can Kratom and Kratom-Related Products Cause Dependence?
Repeated kratom use can result in physical dependence for some people. Dependence means the body has adapted to regular exposure to a substance, and withdrawal symptoms may occur when use is reduced or stopped.
Increasing Use
A person begins taking the product more frequently or using larger amounts.
Stronger Products
Powder or capsules may be replaced by extracts, shots or other concentrated products.
Cravings
The person frequently thinks about using the product or worries about running out.
Difficulty Cutting Back
Repeated attempts to reduce use end with a return to the product.
Withdrawal Between Doses
Anxiety, restlessness, sweating, body discomfort or insomnia may appear when a dose is delayed.
Life Consequences
Use continues despite problems involving health, finances, relationships, work or school.
What Does Kratom Withdrawal Feel Like?
Withdrawal experiences vary according to dose, frequency, duration of use, concentration, other substances and previous opioid dependence.
| Possible Withdrawal Symptom | What It May Involve |
|---|---|
| Muscle or Joint Discomfort | Aches, tension or generalized physical discomfort. |
| Sweating or Chills | Temperature changes, sweating or feeling chilled. |
| Gastrointestinal Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach discomfort. |
| Sleep Disturbance | Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or feeling rested. |
| Anxiety or Irritability | Restlessness, agitation, mood changes or emotional discomfort. |
| Cravings | A strong urge to resume using the product. |
How Long Does Kratom Withdrawal Last?
There is no single withdrawal timeline that applies to everyone.
First Day
Restlessness, anxiety, sweating, irritability, insomnia or cravings may emerge.
Days 1 to 3
Physical discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms may become more noticeable.
Days 4 to 7
Some physical symptoms may begin improving while fatigue, sleep disruption, anxiety and cravings can continue.
After the First Week
Some people continue experiencing low energy, sleep problems or cravings after the more acute symptoms improve.
Withdrawal Timelines Are Individual
Someone using concentrated 7-OH or another kratom-derived compound may have a different withdrawal experience than someone using traditional kratom powder.
Unknown Ingredients Can Make Withdrawal Harder to Predict
Someone may believe they have been using ordinary kratom when they have actually been consuming a concentrated extract or another product sold under an unfamiliar brand name.
Polysubstance use can change both the withdrawal picture and the level of monitoring that may be appropriate.
Why Previous Opioid Use Matters
Some people begin using kratom after trying to reduce or stop prescription opioids, heroin or fentanyl.
Over time, the person may become dependent on the kratom product itself. Stopping without addressing the underlying opioid use disorder can leave the person vulnerable to relapse.
Relapse Can Carry Overdose Risk
Returning to opioids after a period of reduced use may be particularly dangerous because tolerance may have changed.
When Medical Detox May Be Appropriate
Professional assessment becomes especially important when someone is using concentrated products, experiences significant withdrawal, has repeatedly been unable to stop, uses several substances, has medical or psychiatric concerns, or has a history of opioid dependence.
Product Type
What product has been used, including powder, capsules, extracts, shots, 7-OH or another concentrated product.
Frequency and Amount
How often the product is used and approximately how much is taken.
Last Use
When the most recent dose was taken.
Withdrawal History
What happened during previous attempts to reduce or stop use.
Other Substance Use
Whether alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants or other substances are involved.
Medical and Mental Health
Current medications, medical history, mental health concerns and previous opioid dependence.
What Happens During Medical Detox at Serenity Ranch Recovery?
Medical detox provides a structured environment while the body adjusts to stopping a substance.
Serenity Ranch Recovery’s detox program begins with a comprehensive medical and psychological assessment followed by individualized treatment planning. Clients receive 24/7 medical monitoring, and medications may be used when clinically appropriate to help manage withdrawal symptoms or cravings.
Medical Detox in Kentucky
Learn more about medically supervised withdrawal support at Serenity Ranch Recovery.
Explore Medical DetoxResidential Inpatient Treatment
Continued residential treatment can provide therapy, recovery education and clinical support after stabilization.
Explore Residential TreatmentWhen Should You Seek Emergency Medical Help?
Call 911 for Severe Symptoms
Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be awakened, stops breathing, has very slow or abnormal breathing, turns blue or gray, experiences a seizure, collapses, develops severe confusion or appears to be experiencing another life-threatening reaction.
Get Help for Kratom or Concentrated Product Dependence in Kentucky
Serenity Ranch Recovery provides medical detox and residential addiction treatment at its Mammoth Cave, Kentucky campus.
7415 Nolin Dam Rd
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
FAQ: Cat’s Claw, MGM-15 & Kratom in Kentucky
Is Cat’s Claw the same as kratom?
No. Genuine botanical cat’s claw and kratom are different plants. The recent Tennessee warning concerns certain commercial products marketed using the Cat’s Claw name that authorities say may contain kratom-related compounds.
Does every Cat’s Claw product contain MGM-15?
No. The warning should not be interpreted to mean that every botanical Cat’s Claw product contains MGM-15 or kratom.
What is MGM-15?
MGM-15 refers to dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine, a compound related to 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Is MGM-15 the same as 7-OH?
No. 7-OH generally refers to 7-hydroxymitragynine. MGM-15 refers to dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine.
Is kratom illegal in Kentucky?
Kentucky has not prohibited all kratom. The state regulates kratom products and separately controls certain concentrated or synthetic substances.
Is 7-OH illegal in Kentucky?
Kentucky designates 7-hydroxymitragynine concentrated above 400 parts per million on a dry-weight basis as a Schedule I controlled substance. The regulation states that this designation does not apply to mitragynine.
Can kratom cause withdrawal?
Yes. Regular use can lead to physical dependence in some people, and withdrawal symptoms may occur when use is reduced or stopped.
Can I detox from kratom at home?
Withdrawal severity varies. A professional assessment may be particularly important when concentrated products are involved, withdrawal is significant, several substances are being used or there is a history of opioid dependence or unsuccessful attempts to stop.
Where can I get help for kratom withdrawal in Kentucky?
Serenity Ranch Recovery provides medically supervised drug detox at its Mammoth Cave, Kentucky campus with 24/7 monitoring and continued residential treatment available when clinically appropriate.
Clinical Sources and Medical Review
This article is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice, emergency treatment or an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Psychiatrist & Addictionologist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reporting via WSMV 4 Nashville. Cat’s Claw and MGM-15 warning. September 14, 2026.
- WSMV 4 Nashville. Greenbrier drug raid and Cat’s Claw product warning. September 6, 2026.
- Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. 902 KAR 55:015, Schedule I Controlled Substances.
- Serenity Ranch Recovery. Medical Detox in Kentucky.
- Serenity Ranch Recovery. Residential Inpatient Treatment in Kentucky.
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