Czech government proposes new taxes and retail rules for kratom

The Czech government is set to tighten regulation of kratom, a psychoactive plant popular among young people. Finance Minister Jana Schillerová outlined a consumption tax of two crowns per gram, increasing to ten crowns per gram for concentrated extracts. Health Minister Adam Vojtěch emphasized that sales will be limited to physical outlets, prohibiting e-commerce to ensure proper one outlet verification.

Retailers will face a higher annual licence fee of 30,000 crowns, must display specific signage, and keep storefronts concealed. Additional rules ban enrichment of cannabis with sprays, restrict import and export of enhanced material, and require health warnings on smoking and vaping products. Critics, including the Chamber of Commerce, argue the restrictions may shift demand to illegal channels.