Czech Senate Approves Regulation of Kratom and HHC Sales

LOS ANGELES- The Czech Senate has approved new legislation regulating the sale of kratom and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a move aimed at safeguarding public health, especially for minors. These changes follow a high-profile incident in January 2024 in Karlovy Vary, where primary school children were hospitalized after consuming HHC-infused sweets. The legislation introduces stricter controls on the sale of these psychoactive substances, which have until now been largely unregulated.

Under the new law, substances like kratom and HHC will only be available for purchase by adults in specialized stores, while vending machine sales will be prohibited. Additionally, any cannabis products resembling confectionery will be banned to prevent accidental consumption by children. A key aspect of the amendment is creating three categories of narcotic substances, focusing on varying levels of risk and regulating sales accordingly. This framework is designed to limit minors’ access while preventing a shift to the black market, a concern raised by lawmakers.

The regulation of HHC, a cannabis derivative, and kratom, which has been used both as a stimulant and for pain management, represents a balanced approach. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of consumer safety without outright banning these substances, citing the potential medicinal uses of kratom in particular. The legislation will also enforce stricter monitoring, with sellers required to obtain permits from the Ministry of Health​ If signed into law by President Petr Pavel, these regulations will come into effect by the end of 2024, marking a significant shift in the Czech Republic’s approach to managing emerging psychoactive substances.