Kratom, also known as Mitragyna Speciosa, is an herbal leaf that has drawn a lot of debate about its usage and effects. While it is true that this plant originated in Southeast Asia, its popularity has spread across virtually all the continents of the world.
Nevertheless, the legality of Kratom is not uniform across countries and regions. While some countries place an outright ban on it, others believe banning it isn’t the best way to go; instead, there should be regulation around its usage.
Our focus in this article is to see whether or not Kratom is legal in Italy. What is the government of Italy saying about Kratom? Can Kratom be found on the streets of Italy? What’s so special about these herbal leaves? These are some of the questions to look at in this write-up.
Is Kratom Legal in Italy?
Unfortunately, kratom is banned in Italy, and it is illegal to be in possession of it. According to decree 01 August 2016, Italy’s Ministry of Health added kratom to the list of narcotic and psychotropic substances that are banned in the country.
Therefore, since it’s a prohibited substance, it means that you cannot import, export, or sell it in Italy. Although not much was said about personal usage, being in possession of this herb could attract some mild punishments, such as suspension of a driving license or other privileges.
Why Was Kratom Banned in Italy?
The idea of banning Kratom in Italy was born in June 2015. The ban was due to a case of severe intoxication linked to Kratom. It was discovered that the intake of mitragynine, an alkaloid substance present in Kratom, resulted in acute intoxication, hence the need to look further into the case.
By October 26, 2015, a note was passed to the National Early Warning System, under the Department of Anti-Drug Policies of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers about the effect of the Mitragyna Speciosa plant. After careful observation, a degree was passed in August 2016, making Kratom illegal in Italy.
Can you Find Kratom in the Streets of Italy?
Now, enlisting Kratom as a prohibitive substance in Italy is one thing; finding it on the streets of Italy is another. The truth is, while it is illegal in the country, people still find a way to have any form of this plant in their possession. Black market sales might be a way out, but it is never sold openly.
We don’t recommend buying Kratom from the black market on the streets of Italy majorly for two reasons. First, since it is a banned substance, you don’t want to be caught with it as there are punishable measures associated with it. Second, you can’t entirely trust a product from the black market. The Kratom herb is likely to be adulterated with unhealthy substances that defeat its original benefits.
Other European Countries that Legalize the Use of Kratom
The laws governing the sale and possession of Kratom vary across Europe. While some countries like Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, Ireland, etc. declared Kratom illegal, others see it as a non-harmful substance if regulated.
For example, countries like Croatia and Austria accept the use of Kratom for personal use but are not recommended for sale and distribution. On the other hand, in countries like Spain and the Netherlands, it is completely legal to buy and sell it. Therefore, you must understand the terms and conditions of using Kratom in each European country or any country in the world to avoid getting into trouble.
That being said, below are the countries where Kratom is legal:
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Austria
- France
- Greece
- Hungary
- Albania
- Croatia
- Finland
- Norway
- Germany
- Denmark
- Czech
What’s so Special About These Herbal Leaves?
There are several reasons people take Kratom, and these reasons can vary from person to person. Below are the combined general effects of taking this herb, especially the Maeng Da strain:
- For some people, Kratom can make them feel energetic, thus helping them execute laborious tasks.
- For some, it can give them the necessary motivation they need to keep them going on the journey of life.
- Kratom can help some people get the kind of relaxation they want after a stressful day.
- Some people take Kratom because it can give them feelings of well-being.
- To some set of people, it can keep them focused.
Therefore, the effect of Kratom is different strokes for different folks. Every user has unique reasons for taking it.
In What Forms Is Kratom Sold?
Kratom can be taken in different forms. The most popular ways of consuming this herb include:
- Powder form – this can be used to make Kratom drink
- Tablet form
- Capsule form
- Edibles – it can be mixed with other ingredients to make candies and other edible products.
Additionally, if you have access to the fresh leaves, you can brew it to make tea. On some rare occasions, some people do smoke it.
Conclusion: Future Outlook of Kratom in Italy
It is not clear what the future holds for the legalization of Kratom in Italy. The Mitragyna Speciosa plant is getting global recognition as each day passes, and more countries are looking for ways to regulate its usage.
We can only hope that since some neighboring countries around Italy have already legalized the use of Kratom, it might just be a matter of time before Italy accepts reality. Until then, it has been banned in the country.