Czech Authorities Crack Down on Dangerous Cannabis Products and Kratom
The measure comes in response to a growing number of poisoning cases linked to synthetic cannabinoids and illegally distributed kratom
Foto: Policie České republiky
During a nationwide inspection operation, tens of thousands of high-risk products were seized. Authorities are warning of serious health consequences associated with synthetic cannabinoids and illegally sold kratom.
Czech authorities are stepping up their efforts against the sale of dangerous psychoactive products. As part of the nationwide inspection operation “Korund”, which was launched at the beginning of May, thousands of violations have already been identified and large quantities of potentially health-threatening goods have been removed from the market.
The measure comes in response to a growing number of poisoning cases linked to synthetic cannabinoids and illegally distributed kratom. In addition to the Ministry of the Interior, the operation involves the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Finance, and Industry and Trade. They are supported by the police, customs authorities, the food inspection authority, public health authorities, the fire service, and the Czech Trade Inspection Authority.
According to the authorities, the operation does not constitute a general ban on specific products. Instead, the aim is to target particularly high-risk products and violations of existing legislation. The focus is on products containing synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids, as well as illegally sold kratom products. These substances can cause serious health damage, particularly when consumed in high doses or in combination with alcohol, medication, or other drugs.
Foto: Policie České republiky
More Than 85,000 Products Seized
The results of the inspections carried out so far illustrate the scale of the problem. Authorities identified violations of existing regulations in 224 of the 291 shops inspected, representing around 77 per cent.
In total, nearly 86,000 products were seized. In addition, inspection authorities confiscated 155 kilograms of illegally sold kratom and products from 63 CBD vending machines. Furthermore, 25 online shops were blocked after either being linked to specific poisoning cases or found to have committed other legal violations.
Public health authorities also ordered the withdrawal or destruction of more than 11,000 additional products.
Laboratory analyses revealed that a large proportion of the seized products contained prohibited addictive substances, registered psychoactive substances, or new psychoactive substances whose sale is not permitted. According to the authorities, other psychoactive substances that are not yet explicitly regulated also pose a concern.
Foto: Policie České republiky
Numerous Poisoning Cases in 2026
Current poisoning figures are causing concern. Of the 235 intoxication cases reported to the police so far in 2026, approximately one in ten proved fatal. A total of 23 deaths have been recorded.
Synthetic cannabinoids or kratom were linked to 161 of these poisoning cases, four of which resulted in death. A further 51 overdoses were associated with medication or other substances such as poisons, resulting in seven deaths. Another 23 cases involved traditional drug overdoses, twelve of which were fatal.
Authorities point out that these figures only include cases in which the police were involved.
In the past week alone, police recorded eleven non-fatal poisoning cases involving minors under the age of 18, believed to have been caused by products containing synthetic cannabinoids. The incidents occurred in several regions across the country, including the Central Bohemian Region, South Bohemia, the Liberec Region, Karlovy Vary, Vysočina, and Olomouc.
Foto: Policie České republiky
Warning to Consumers
Authorities strongly advise consumers not to use products with unclear composition. Particular caution should be exercised with products labelled as “collector’s items” or carrying the warning “Not intended for consumption”.
These include hemp-derived products, sweets, pre-rolled joints, dried cannabis, e-cigarettes, and refill cartridges. According to the authorities, the actual contents often do not correspond to the information stated on the packaging.
The combination of such substances with alcohol, medication, or other intoxicating substances is considered particularly dangerous. These mixtures can significantly increase the risk of severe or even fatal health complications.
