Kratom’s legality is not uniform in all countries, and this is largely because it has not been scientifically proven to have health benefits or to be entirely safe. The major topic of this article is the legality of Kratom in France. Since there is no singular law governing Kratom in Europe, some EU countries allow its usage while other countries ban it.
So, is Kratom legal in France? Let’s find out what the French laws say about this botanical.
What is the Legal Status of Kratom in France?
Kratom is illegal in France because it is considered a psychotropic substance. In 1990, the French authority established a list of psychotropic substances to guide the public. This list is frequently updated, and in January 2020, Kratom and its active alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) were added to the list.
Article R5132-88 of the Public Health Code states that unless expressly authorized, the production, import, manufacture, export, transport, use, or possession of psychotropic substances is prohibited. This decision was made by the Director General of the National Agency for the Safety of Medicine and Health Products.
Why Was Kratom Added to the List of Prohibited Substances?
Kratom has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and many modern-day users have reported its benefits. Some of the effects of Kratom include increased energy, reduced physical tension, improved mental clarity and relaxation, and a boost in mood and feelings of well-being.
However, anecdotal benefits aside, there is no concrete scientific evidence proving the medical value of kratom. Also, Kratom can be abused, and when that happens, it could lead to unpleasant side effects and habit formation.
In France, there is a National Drug Strategy responsible for combating drugs and addictive behaviors. Therefore, the primary aim of this law and making certain psychotropic substances illegal in France is to reduce health risks to the public.
Are There Places to Buy Kratom in France?
Since the possession and use of controlled substances is hard to eradicate, you might still find Kratom in France on the black market. However, you must understand that it is a banned substance. Being in possession or using it means you are breaking the rules of the country, and there are criminal penalties for disobeying the rules.
Buying Kratom from a store or online is not acceptable in France at the moment. We strongly advise Kratom users to stay away from Kratom while in France to avoid breaking the law and risking a criminal charge.
What are Kratom’s Penalties in France?
Since Kratom is considered a psychotropic substance in France, below is what you need to know about the penalties.
- First, the French law on drug penalties does not distinguish between whether you possess it for personal use or trafficking.
- Possession of psychotropic substances (under which Kratom falls) is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
- Possession of Kratom and other prohibited drugs is considered the same crime as the use of drugs.
- The quantity of Kratom found in you does not determine the severity of your punishment. However, quantity is among the factors determining the prosecution of the crime, such as use or trafficking.
- In cases of recidivism within five years, the penalty is doubled.
The Legal Status of Kratom in Other EU Countries
There are three categories for the legal status of Kratom in Europe or anywhere in the world: Unregulated (legal), controlled, and prohibited. For clarity, the table below should guide you on the use of Kratom in Europe:
Unregulated (Legal) | Regulated | |
---|---|---|
Albania | Denmark (on medical grounds) | Bulgaria |
Austria | Finland | Croatia |
Belarus | Germany | Denmark |
Belgium | Norway (on medical grounds) | Estonia |
Bosnia & Herzegovina | Sweden | France |
Czech Republic | Iceland | |
Greece | Ireland | |
Hungary | Italy | |
Kosovo | Latvia | |
Malta | Lithuania | |
Montenegro | Luxemburg | |
North Macedonia | Moldova | |
Netherlands | Norway | |
Portugal | Poland | |
Spain | Romania | |
Ukraine | Russia | |
Serbia | ||
Slovakia | ||
Slovenia | ||
Switzerland | ||
Turkey | ||
United Kingdom |
Is There Any Hope for the Legalization of Kratom in France?
As of now, Kratom remains a prohibited substance in France. This might change in the future, but we can only leave that for time to decide.
Since some countries in Europe have legalized the use and possession of Kratom, it is a good sign that it might spread to France someday. Also, different bodies are pushing for the legalization of the herbal product, and their claim is that it has been in use for traditional medicine, and users have reported positive outcomes from its usage.
While we wait for a new status on the legality of Kratom in France, abide by the present rule by not using the product in the country.