The Czech government has taken a significant step by agreeing to establish a category for psychomodulatory substances, such as kratom and CBD, enabling their regulation and sale under controlled conditions. During a recent press conference, Minister of Local Development Ivan Bartoš of the Pirates party announced this decision. The new regulations will restrict the sale of these substances to adults and prohibit advertising.

At present, psychomodulatory substances like CBD and kratom are available without regulation, even to children. Minister Bartoš emphasized the need for rules to safeguard consumers and address the unregulated availability of these substances.

A list of psychomodulatory substances will be created, and their sale will be regulated based on specific conditions. Only individuals over 18 will be permitted to purchase these substances, and companies will need to register under specified criteria. Additionally, companies must provide recommended dosages for safe use, while advertising will be strictly prohibited.

Jindřich Vobořil, the national anti-drug coordinator from the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), stated that the initial list is currently empty. The government will add substances like kratom, CBD, and HHC to the list after the amendment is approved. This new regulatory approach provides a middle ground between unregulated availability and complete prohibition for substances that have potential benefits but also risks.

Vobořil expressed confidence that the proposed regulation will not lead to drug tourism concerns. He clarified that kratom is currently in a legal gray area across Europe, and the strict regulation introduced by the Czech Republic might set an example for other countries.

The proposal will now proceed to the Chamber of Deputies for approval. Vobořil anticipates swift approval due to support from both the government and the opposition. If approved, the law could come into effect next year.

Substances like kratom and CBD have varying effects based on dosage, with medicinal benefits in small quantities and depressant effects in larger amounts. They are sold in various forms, including oils, tinctures, tablets, and powders.

While the Ministry of Health initially proposed adding these substances to the list of prohibited substances due to concerns about accessibility to children, the government rejected this approach in July in favor of the current regulation model.

Article by Prague Forum