Unlike some of the other EU nations, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has never been illegal in Belgium.
The laws that govern drug usage in Belgium don’t penalize people for using them, although there can be harsh laws for those who sell or possess them.
Here’s everything you need to know about buying and using kratom in Belgium.
Kratom Legality in Belgium Explained
Kratom is currently legal in Belgium.
Their Royal Decree of September 2017 spells out the penalties for drug use but doesn’t mention kratom or its alkaloids.
Kratom is also legal in about 16 other EU member countries.
The WHO & Future Kratom Laws
In December 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) came to a conclusion that could (and should) have monumental implications. After reviewing the current research on kratom, the WHO concluded that kratom is generally safe, and there’s no reason to put it on the list of controlled substances.
Can I Buy Kratom in Belgium?
Yes, you can buy kratom in Belgium.
Because of the relative ease with which it can be purchased, you shouldn’t consider buying it from an illicit seller. Even if it wasn’t easy to find, using illicit sellers or the black market is a very bad idea. You won’t know what you’re getting, and it could even be adulterated with opioids or other dangerous additives.
Why is Kratom Banned in Other Countries?
Public health is usually the reason given when a country bans kratom. However, it’s important to note that this same reason was used to ban cannabis, which several countries are now overturning.
Although the public health claim is ubiquitous with banning kratom, the truth is that kratom is generally well-tolerated. Unless you use it irresponsibly, your risk of suffering from side effects is extremely small. The real threat comes when you mix kratom with another substance, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, or certain antipsychotic medications.
Is Kratom Dangerous?
Yes and no. A quick internet search will show some deaths related to kratom. A deeper look reveals that other drugs were involved in almost every case. Usually, the other drugs were opioids [2].
If you use kratom responsibly, you shouldn’t have any problems. However, if you use too much or mix kratom with other substances, you put yourself at great risk.
Even though kratom activates certain opioid receptors, it doesn’t usually cause overdose, respiratory depression, or the intense withdrawal you get from prescription opioids.
Ultimately, the biggest dangers of kratom use come from misuse.
What Are The Side Effects of Kratom?
There are side effects with kratom, but it’s easy to avoid or reduce the associated risks. If you keep the doses small and only use kratom when necessary, you should be fine.
Some of the most common side effects of kratom include:
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Constipation
What is the Correct Dosage for Kratom?
The correct dose is the dose that works for you. Too general, we know. Unfortunately, there’s no tried-and-true set amount. There are, however, average doses that you can test for yourself.
Try our dosage calculator to narrow down how much you might need. However, always start with a low dose to see how you feel.
Here are general dose amounts:
- Microdose: Under 2 g
- Small dose: 2-5 g
- Medium dose: 5-8 g
- Large dose: 8-12 g
Lower doses typically are more energizing while larger amounts are sedating.
Never take more than you need, and take occasional breaks from kratom to avoid addiction and tolerance.
How to Take Kratom Safely
As we covered, never mix kratom with other substances without first knowing how they’ll interact.
Here are some other tips on using kratom safely:
- Avoid using alcohol or nicotine with kratom
- Don’t vape, smoke, or boof it
- Always buy from a reputable vendor
There are many safe ways to take kratom, so feel free to experiment with each method.
Key Takeaway: Is Kratom Legal in Belgium?
Yes, kratom is legal in Belgium.
Belgium is one of 17 EU nations that have not banned kratom. You may purchase it from any online vendors in these countries.
You may also use drugs without fear of legal entanglements. Just make sure you don’t sell or possess large amounts of them.
By using kratom responsibly, you can enjoy the many benefits from it. Hopefully, the rest of the world will catch up and allow its use.
- Galbis-Reig, D. (2016). A case report of kratom addiction and withdrawal. WMJ, 115(1), 49-52.
- Henningfield, J. E., Grundmann, O., Babin, J. K., Fant, R. V., Wang, D. W., & Cone, E. J. (2019). Risk of death associated with kratom use compared to opioids. Preventive medicine, 128, 105851.
