Kratom, a plant also known as Mitragyna speciosa, has become the subject of much attention in recent years due to its potential benefits and controversial aspects regarding its legality. For those interested in it, it is important to be aware of where the plant is legal and where it is not.

Here is an overview of the legal situation regarding kratom in various European countries.

European Countries Where Kratom Is Legal:

Austria

In Austria, kratom is not a criminal offense for personal use, but its sale and distribution is not recommended.

Croatia

Kratom is only allowed for personal use, but further distribution is not recommended.

Czech Republic

Kratom is only allowed for personal use, but further distribution is not recommended.

Spain

In Spain, buying and selling kratom is completely legal.

Hungary

Buying and selling kratom is fully legal in Hungary.

France

Kratom can be used and possessed, but selling kratom is considered illegal drug trafficking.

Netherlands

Buying and selling kratom is fully legal in the Netherlands.

Sweden

Kratom is listed as a controlled substance and its use, purchase, and possession are prohibited.

Greece

Kratom is legal in Greece.

Albania

Legal. 

European countries where kratom is not legal:

UK

In 2016, kratom was classified as a prohibited substance and its import, export and sale are illegal, but possession is legal.

Ireland

In Ireland, kratom was classified as an illegal drug in 2017, making its use, purchase and possession illegal.

Latvia

Kratom is listed as a controlled substance and is illegal to use, purchase or possess.

Italy

In Italy, kratom was classified as a prohibited substance in 2016, making its import, export and sale illegal.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, kratom has been listed as a controlled substance since 2017, meaning it is illegal to use, buy or possess.

USA 

THE US STATES THAT HAVE OUTLAWED KRATOM ALTOGETHER ARE:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Indiana
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Wisconsin

The remaining states and the District of Columbia have decided that kratom is legal within their borders. Some states regulate who can use and purchase kratom, while others allow anyone to purchase it without restriction.

US STATES WITH RESTRICTIONS INCLUDE:

• Arizona: KCPA passed
• California: Banned inside San Diego
• Colorado: Illegal for human consumption in Denver
• Florida: Banned in Sarasota County
• Georgia: KCPA passed
• Illinois: Illegal in the city of Jerseyville; allowed for 18+ in the rest of the state
• Mississippi: Illegal in Union County
• Nevada: KCPA passed
• New Hampshire: Legal for 18+
• Oregon: Legal for 21+
• Tennessee: Legal for 21+
• Utah: KCPA passed

INTERNATIONAL KRATOM LAWS

Kratom remains one of the drugs that people can not seem to see eye to eye on. Kratom has some potential medical benefits, but it is a natural opioid. The laws vary outside the United States, but kratom is illegal in several countries, including:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Belarus
• Bulgaria (except for a doctor’s prescription)
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Israel
• Japan
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Myanmar
• Malaysia
• New Zealand (except for a doctor’s prescription)
• Poland
• Romania
• Russia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• Vietnam