Czech Republic: Regulated Sale of Cannabis up to 1% THC and Kratom to Begin Later This Year

In July 2025, the Czech Republic will introduce new regulations on the sale of cannabis with THC content of up to 1% and kratom. This move is the result of the implementation of the Act on Psychomodulating Substances, which establishes a legal framework for the regulation of psychoactive substances with low health risk.

The main goal of this law is to ensure safe access to these products while limiting potential social and health harms. However, the new regulations do not include full legalization of recreational use of cannabis with higher THC content , which remains prohibited. Nevertheless, the changes introduced in teh Czech Republic can be seen as a step towards a more liberal approach to cannabis regulation in the future.

Kratom and Cannabis Up to 1% THC in the Czech Republic – New Regulations

Ultra realistic marijuana leaves arranged on the Czech Republic flag, symbolizing the debate on legalizing marijuana in the country

The new regulations cover a range of substances, including kratom and its extracts, which are known for their analgesic and stimulating effects. Kratom has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional painkillers, while also offering the possibility of therapeutic use. An important element of the new regulations is also hemp products with a THC content of no more than 1%. This category includes dried herb, oils, cosmetics and food products, which are mainly advertised as therapeutic agents due to their low psychoactivity. At the same time, substances such as HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) have been excluded from the regulations, which are still being tested for potential health risks.

The regulatory system stipulates that the sale of these products will be possible only in licensed outlets, which will be subject to strict control. Sales through vending machines are prohibited, and online sellers must have physical stores. In addition, sellers will be obliged to provide consumers with detailed information on the composition and recommended dosage, which is intended to increase user awareness and minimize the risk of abuse.

How do regulations fit into the international context?

In the international context, the Czech Republic approach resembles the regulations in force in Switzerland, where the sale of cannabis with a THC content of up to 1% is also permitted . Similarities can also be seen in the Dutch model, although the sale of recreational cannabis in coffee shops is permitted in the Netherlands, while kratom remains banned there.

In Germany, as of April 1, 2024, it will be legal to possess up to 50g of marijuana at home and grow three cannabis plants , and there are plans to set up pilot programs for legal marijuana sales in licensed stores. Thailand, meanwhile, recently decriminalized kratom and allowed the sale of products with low THC concentrations, emphasizing their therapeutic potential.

Limitations of the new regulations

The new regulations, while a significant step forward, leave several significant limitations. First of all, the ban on recreational use of cannabis with higher THC content has been maintained. For many people interested in liberalizing cannabis law, this approach is still insufficient. Similarly, the regulations regarding kratom and cannabis are more restrictive compared to those in force in other countries, which limits their full use in both therapeutic and recreational contexts.

Criticism of the new regulations has come from the Pirate Party, among others, whose representatives have drawn attention to the disproportionality of the possession limits in relation to the potential yield of the crop. According to critics, the current restrictions may lead to impractical situations where users will be forced to destroy surplus production. At the same time, there are suggestions for amendments in the future that would aim to raise the permissible possession limits of dried herb, which would increase the consistency of the regulations with social realities.

Economic and social benefits

Despite the restrictions, the introduction of a regulated cannabis and kratom market could bring significant economic benefits to the Czech Republic. Experts estimate that the new regulations could generate annual profits of up to CZK 5 billion . In the event of further expansion of legalization, e.g. full regulation of the recreational market, these revenues could increase significantly , contributing to an increase in the state budget.

Another important aspect of introducing the new regulations is the potential reduction in the number of minor crimes related to possession of cannabis. Thanks to the regulation, fewer people will be exposed to criminal sanctions for minor offences, which will allow police and justice resources to be redirected to more serious crimes. Reducing the burden on the criminal justice system may also reduce costs to the state.

Statistics and social background

Cannabis is very popular in the Czech Republic, which further justifies the need for regulation. According to data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, as many as 30% of adult Czechs have used cannabis at least once in their life, and 11.1% have used it in the past year. These are significantly higher rates than the European average, indicating a high interest in these products in society.

The Czech Republic’s liberal approach is part of a general trend across Europe, where more and more countries are taking action to regulate cannabis and other psychoactive substances. Compared to other EU countries, the Czech Republic has ambitious plans, but remains relatively conservative, although the new regulations could inspire further legislative changes.

New changes to the law from November 2024

In November 2024, the Czech Republic took another step towards liberalizing its cannabis laws by decriminalizing its possession and cultivation. Under the new regulations, the Czech government approved the decriminalization of possession of up to 50 grams of dried cannabis at home and up to 25 grams in public places . Furthermore, citizens can now cultivate up to three cannabis plants containing more than 1% THC for personal use.

The new regulations, however, provide for penalties for exceeding the limits. Growing four or five plants is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine, while larger quantities can result in up to six months in prison. These restrictions have been criticized by the Pirate Party, which points to the low possession limits in relation to the actual yield of the crops. Party representatives are calling for the permissible possession limit to be increased to 900 grams, which they believe would better meet the needs of users.

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(Featured image by Alejandro Cartagena via Unsplash)

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First published in Fakty Konopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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