The Czech government has taken a significant step towards modernizing drug policy by agreeing to amend the law to introduce a new category of psychotropic substances, a move that could have implications for substances like kratom. Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bartos, a member of the Pirates party, announced the decision during a press conference following a recent government meeting.

The proposed change aims to strike a balance between regulation and prohibition. The new category will cover substances that are currently available but lack proper oversight, such as kratom and Cannabidiol (CBD) products. The government’s intention is to ensure that these substances are subject to quality control, proper packaging with information on effects and recommended dosages, and limited sales to adults. Additionally, advertising for these substances will be banned.

National drug policy coordinator Jindrich Voboril of the ODS party expressed optimism about the bill’s prospects in the lower house, noting that the proposal has garnered support from opposition MPs. If the bill successfully navigates the legislative process, it could be enforced starting from 2024.

The significance of this move lies in its innovative approach within the global context. The new legislation will establish an initially empty list of substances. The government will then proceed to populate this list with specific substances, first placing them on a temporary list for risk assessment. Following expert evaluation, these substances will either be categorized as banned or regulated.

Kratom, which has both medicinal and depressant effects depending on dosage, is expected to be among the first substances to be placed on the regulated list. An estimated 200 tonnes of kratom are sold in the Czech Republic annually. The government’s decision reflects a departure from an earlier proposal by the Ministry of Health to outright ban kratom. Instead, the government has chosen to implement a regulatory framework, prioritizing safety and informed use.

By introducing this new category of psychotropic substances and emphasizing a transparent regulatory process, the Czech government is addressing the challenges posed by emerging substances in a manner that promotes public health and responsible consumption. This step represents a departure from the traditional all-or-nothing approach to drug policy, marking a forward-thinking initiative in drug regulation and harm reduction.

Article by Prague Forum