Kratom Faces Regulation While Technical Hemp Remains Unrestricted

Starting this fall, the Czech Republic will introduce stricter rules on the sale of kratom. Although the government initially considered applying the same regulation to low-potency hemp (such as CBD products), it has now abandoned this plan.

Kratom Faces Regulation While Technical Hemp Remains Unrestricted

Starting this fall, the Czech Republic will introduce stricter rules on the sale of kratom. Although the government initially considered applying the same regulation to low-potency hemp (such as CBD products), it has now abandoned this plan. The reason? It would conflict with international treaties, specifically the United Nations Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

Kratom to Be Regulated, CBD Products Excluded

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the regulation will apply only to kratom and its extracts. Hemp containing up to 1% THC — including common CBD oils, ointments, or candies — will remain outside the scope of the new regulation, and can still be sold without a special permit.

What Will Change?

Originally, the new rules were expected to come into effect on July 1, 2025. However, due to delays in the technical notification process at the European Commission, implementation has been postponed. A final decision is expected by August 18, with regulation likely coming into force in September.

Key changes include:

• Ban on sales to individuals under 18

• Sales permitted only in licensed physical shops

• No sales via vending machines or unlicensed online shops

• Mandatory age verification

• Advertising restrictions

What Will Kratom Sales Look Like?

Kratom will only be available for purchase in physical stores that have obtained a special license from the Ministry of Health. These licenses won’t come cheap — costs could range from tens to hundreds of thousands of Czech crowns. So far, no licenses have been granted. The ministry plans to publish a list of approved retailers on its website.

Why This Regulation?

Kratom has become widely available in recent years and has both stimulant and sedative effects. Because it’s often sold in vending machines, convenience stores, and online shops without oversight, it poses a potential risk — especially for young people.

Concerns came to a head recently when two elementary school students in Žďár nad Sázavou reportedly overdosed on kratom and were hospitalized.

In Summary:
The Czech Republic is moving to end the “wild west” era of kratom sales. While technical hemp (such as CBD products) will remain untouched by regulation, kratom will soon be sold legally only to adults and only through licensed brick-and-mortar stores.