KRATOM 360°: Responsible kratom regulation as an inspiration for other countries?

Prague, June 5, 2025 – The international conference KRATOM 360°: Market, Regulation, Science, held in Prague, became an important milestone in the debate on the responsible regulation of psychoactive substances. Under the auspices of the think tank Institute for Rational Addiction Policies and in cooperation with the newly established Institute for European Legislation, experts from the fields of addiction science, pharmacology, law, politics, and civil society gathered. The aim was to share experiences on the development of kratom regulation and open a broader discussion on the future of modern drug policy.

“Kratom can be either a major problem or an example of good practice in regulating various substances,” says Jindřich Vobořil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute for Rational Addiction Policies, adding: “It’s a natural substance that the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified as low-risk and stated that it does not need to be banned. However, many countries have banned it due to lack of control tools. The Czech Republic, however, has created a unique tool – a new category alongside food and medicine – psychoactive substances. This model should show that regulation can change the market, reduce risks and strike a balance between industry interests and public health.”

The Czech Republic has become one of the first countries in the world to regulate kratom outside the criminal law framework – through a regulated market for psychoactive substances, with clear rules for age, quality, labeling and supervision. The Institute for Rational Addiction Policies has supported this change from the beginning and now calls on current and future political representatives, especially public administration, to fully implement the adopted law and assess whether this model can be applied to other substances, such as cannabis or tobacco.

“Our priority is to create legislative frameworks based on scientific evidence, not ideology. That’s why we advocate for an approach based on prevention, public health protection, and reducing the risks associated with psychoactive substance use,” says Vladěna Sobasová, Head of Legislative and Strategic Relations at the Institute for European Legislation, adding: “Kratom can become a model example of responsible regulation within the European space. It’s exceptional that we’ve managed to unite traders, business and the expert community and guide them toward active social responsibility. Voluntary contributions to awareness and prevention show that the industry recognises the seriousness of this issue. At the same time, we want to open the discussion and appeal to other European countries to be inspired by the Czech approach and choose the path of regulation over ineffective prohibition. Responsible regulation and an ethically-led market enable the protection of public health, the reduction of illicit market risks, and the creation of a safer environment for users and society as a whole.”

The conference also highlighted that regulation alone is not enough – it must be accompanied by adequate funding for preventive programmes, education and harm reduction services.

“We are one of the first countries in the world to regulate the sale of kratom through a regulated market for psychoactive substances – with clear rules for age, quality, labeling and supervision. This is a modern and responsible approach that relies on cooperation between experts, schools, and parents,” explains the Chamber of Deputies Renáta Zajíčková, adding: “As both a high school principal and a politician, I know that no law by itself can protect our children. However, I believe that through this approach, we will be able to better explain the risks to children and give them the opportunity to make informed and responsible decisions.”

“In Thailand, kratom is regulated as traditional medicine. This substance has been used for thousands of years for heavy work, such as rice harvesting. Our government also supports research into its various therapeutic effects, such as for diabetes. Traditionally, this substance is consumed in small doses and often only in the form of leaves. In recent years, however, research has progressed, and the substance is now also produced in forms such as drinks, tablets, chewing gum and patches, with sales regulated primarily through pharmacies,” says Kosit Suvinijjit, a representative of the Thai Ministry of Public Health.

The KRATOM 360° conference is the first step toward deeper international cooperation and sharing of best practices in the regulation of new psychoactive substances. The Institute for Rational Addiction Policies will continue to advocate for smart, scientifically-backed and publicly responsible policies based on the protection of health, human rights and social cohesion. At the same time, it works on educating the industry toward better ethics and corporate social responsibility.