Czech government decides against banning HHC and kratom

The Czech government has decided not to ban HHC and kratom, two substances which have recently caused controversy. This decision is motivated by the conviction that a prohibitionist approach would be unrealistic.

Expected rules

According to a proposed amendment currently before the Czech Parliament, HHC and other synthetic psychoactive products will be reserved for people over 18, may only be sold under the supervision of a salesperson and not in vending machines, and may not be advertised.

Experts have welcomed this decision, saying that these substances present fewer risks than other drugs.

HHC is manufactured by subjecting CBD to a synthesis process. The emergence of HHC has raised the threat of a CBD ban in the Czech Republic, but this position was finally abandoned by the government.

At the beginning of the year, the Czech Republic was identified as one of 20 or more EU countries, where HHC products were widely available, prompting the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction to issue health warnings. In March, the Czech government issued warnings on HHC, urging consumers to avoid these products due to potential health risks.

«Prohibition is not the solution»

«It has become clear that outright prohibition is not the solution. Instead, the focus will be on greater protection for children and adult users», according to the Czech Pirate Party, which supports the proposed amendment and, on a larger scale, the Legalization of cannabis in the Czech Republic. «Instead of a ban, the focus will be on providing greater protection for users.»

Kratom, which had also been considered for banning, will also be regulated, but not banned, the Ministry of Health said. Often used for its analgesic, stimulant and mood-enhancing effects, kratom is used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, fatigue and depression.