The Czech Republic is set to implement new restrictions on the sale of psychomodulatory substances, including kratom and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). On October 9, the Czech Senate passed an amendment to the Act on Addictive Substances, aiming to protect minors while avoiding outright prohibition.
If signed into law, these substances will only be available to adults in specialized stores starting December. The legislation also introduces online age verification requirements and bans sales through vending machines or as products resembling toys or sweets.
Senator Roman Kraus emphasized the importance of this regulation, noting that an estimated 200-300 tons of kratom are sold annually in the Czech Republic. The move comes in response to recent incidents involving minors and seeks to balance public health concerns with avoiding criminalization of users and sellers.