What’s the Current Legality of Kratom in Greece?

For now, kratom remains an uncontrolled substance in Greece, which means it is legal to possess and use in the country. We will explore the legal status of kratom in Greece in-depth and share some advice for residents and travelers who plan to use or buy it within the country.

Kratom has a wide range of applications at different doses, such as boosting energy, enhancing mood, and providing relaxation. However, because it has the potential to be abused, some countries in Europe and the surrounding area have put regulations in place or prohibited its use completely.

Current Legal Status of Kratom in Greece

Greece is known as one of the countries with strict drug laws governed by the Hellenic Ministry of Health. They categorize controlled substances based on their potential for abuse and medicinal value.

But surprisingly, even though kratom has dependency risk, it has not been added to Greece’s list of controlled substances. Kratom, nor its main alkaloids are listed in Law 4139/2013 – which governs the list of controlled substances and their classifications in the country.

Therefore, for now, kratom is completely legal within the Mediterranean country. However, because kratom is highly controversial, it could land itself in the crosshairs of the Greek government in the future.

Greek laws often align with broader EU policies, which remain divided on kratom. Currently, there is little discussion about kratom regulation  in Greece, as it is not widely recognized in the country.

Where to Buy Kratom in Greece

Generally, the two places to buy kratom in Greece are either from local stores or online vendors. Although kratom may be hard to find in smaller cities there are many local stores in Athens and other big cities within Greece.

Some of the top herbal stores to buy kratom in Athens include SKARFI, Ethos Herbals, and Spy Seeds.

Also, since kratom is legal in Greece, international online retailers can ship it to you without any troubles. There are several large and reputable EU online sellers that ship kratom to Greece.

Whether you decide to buy from a local store or online, ensure you buy from a reputable source that adheres to quality standards. Adulterated or contaminated kratom can pose serious health risks.

If you are planning to travel to Greece with kratom you can bring kratom with you from your local trusted supplier. But always remember to stay updated with the current kratom laws in Greece and Europe, as laws can change over time.

Cultural and Societal Perception of Kratom in Greece

In Greece, kratom is not very popular and it is not widely recognized by Greek society. Many people who use this herb in Greece are foreigners who have already used kratom in their respective home countries.

Also, there are little to no advocacy efforts educating the public about kratom’s benefits and risks. Therefore, public awareness of kratom is low, and due to this, minimal attention is paid to it by the Greek government currently. Maybe the government may look into kratom when it becomes more popular in the country, but for now, there are no signs of this happening.

What is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is found growing predominantly in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It belongs to the same family as coffee and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The two active compounds in the leaves of this plant are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are responsible for its effects.

These two compounds are chiefly responsible for kratom’s effects through their interactions with receptors in the brain. These interactions can produce effects like boosting energy, mood and calmness.

Today, kratom has spread beyond Southeast Asia to other regions, including the United States. Kratom is regarded as a wellness botanical with a diverse range of effects that are dose dependent. However, while there are good sides to this herbal plant, its potential to be abused, risks of side effects and interactions with medications and drugs has caused many countries to regulate or ban it.

Currently, in the U.S., kratom is banned in 6 states, while it remains either regulated or unregulated in other states. The same applies to Europe and other parts of the world. For this reason, you should always research the latest legal status about kratom for a particular country before traveling with it.

Comparing Greece’s Kratom Laws to Other Countries

Kratom laws vary across different countries. For example, in the EU, countries like Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands allow kratom use. However, other countries like France, Italy, Denmark, and Ireland prohibit its usage.

Even in Asia, where this plant originates, there are a few countries that have banned it. Because of this inconsistency, it is wise to stay updated with kratom laws if you are a traveller.

But looking at countries with regulated kratom markets, Greece could benefit by following the same path. Regulating kratom helps to enforce more quality products and restrict access to those that are underage.

Advice for Tourists and Residents of Greece

Yes, it is true that kratom is not listed as a controlled substance in Greece. However, this shouldn’t stop you from being cautious, as kratom’s laws are subject to change. Most customs officials don’t know much about kratom, but if they find out it’s a psychoactive substance, it may lead to increased scrutiny.

While kratom is not listed as a controlled substance, you should still be discreet with it. Make sure to keep your kratom in original packaging, rather than unmarked bags to avoid scrutiny as a best rule of thumb. This way, if customs officials have questions, they can refer to the vendor’s website if needed.

Lastly, be mindful of the quantity you bring into the country. Even though kratom is unregulated in Greece, carrying large quantities could lead to increased scrutiny.

Final Thoughts

Kratom is currently legal in Greece, however laws can change over time. Therefore, you must be vigilant and stay updated on the news in Greece and EU laws surrounding kratom. If you are travelling, be modest with the amount you carry, and ensure to carry your kratom in original packaging.

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