Czech Senate Approves New Regulations on Kratom and HHC Sales

The Czech Republic is set to implement stricter controls 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, aimed at protecting minors and regulating the market without resorting to outright prohibition.

Under the new legislation, these substances will only be available to adults in specialized stores starting December, pending presidential approval. The amendment also introduces online age verification requirements and bans sales through vending machines or as products resembling toys or sweets.

Senator Roman Kraus highlighted the significance of the 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 aims to strike a balance between public health concerns and avoiding criminalization of users and sellers.