Starting in December, stricter legal regulations will govern the sale of substances such as kratom and cannabis with low THC content. These changes stem from an amendment to the Narcotic Substances Act, which was passed by the Senate on Wednesday without modifications. The goal is to regulate the sale and distribution of substances with psychomodulatory and psychoactive effects more strictly, particularly to protect children.
According to the news channel ČT24, the new law categorizes substances based on their risk potential. Products containing psychomodulatory substances will only be sold to adults and exclusively in specialized shops that are inaccessible to children. The law also prohibits selling these goods in forms that resemble toys or sweets. Sales via vending machines will be banned, and online sales will face strict conditions, including mandatory age verification both at the time of purchase and upon delivery.
After months of delay, the Senate approved the amendment following the European Commission’s approval, which confirmed that the proposed export ban and restrictions comply with EU internal market rules.
One key aspect of the amendment is the introduction of two additional lists, alongside the existing list of prohibited narcotics. The first new list will cover psychoactive substances with unknown health effects, while the second will include psychomodulatory substances with low health risks, which may still be sold but under strict conditions.
Sellers and distributors of psychomodulatory substances must obtain a licence from the Ministry of Health. This authorization will carry an administrative fee of 200,000 CZK to initiate the process. Additional fees will apply, including 20,000 CZK for each online store or local point of sale.
The primary aim of the amendment is to protect children from substances whose psychological and physical effects are either unknown or potentially dangerous. The new regulations establish clear limits on the sale of these substances, ensuring they are supplied only to adults in controlled and regulated environments. The law is expected to come into effect in December, pending the President’s signature.