Kratom is illegal in Denmark, but it can be prescribed by a medical professional.
What does this mean for those that need it?
Kratom helps treat pain, anxiety, and insomnia, so why are many governments outlawing it? Here’s a look at the laws in Denmark and other places around the world and why kratom is viewed so negatively.
Kratom Legality in Denmark & Elsewhere
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a controlled substance in Denmark, as described in Executive Order 174.
In Denmark, the Act on Euphoric Substances went into effect in 2008. This was expanded upon in 2009 with Executive Order 174 when kratom officially became illegal. As an early adopter of a kratom ban, it’s unclear what proof was utilized.
Interestingly, Denmark does not count possession of a controlled substance as an offense. However, those caught with kratom (or any other substance) are subject to a fine. It’s possible to rack up additional legal penalties, depending on how much kratom you have and if you have any previous offenses.
Kratom has caused a problem among nations worldwide. Some countries have legalized it, including Mexico, part of the U.S., Canada, and Africa.
At the same time, some nations have made kratom illegal, such as Denmark, Sweden, the U.K., Vietnam, and South Korea.
Speaking of early adopters, Thailand was the first country to ban the planting of kratom trees in 1943. They also became an extremely early adopter of banning the substance outright in 1979. However, this ban didn’t stand the test of time and was reversed in 2018.
The remaining indigenous countries for kratom are Myanmar, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Unfortunately, every one of these nations has banned kratom, with varying levels of success.
Every kratom enthusiast should pay attention to Indonesia’s upcoming ban on exporting kratom. The country has given kratom farmers until 2024 to switch their crops. If they don’t reverse course, this act will be devastating to the worldwide market.
Some claim that Indonesia is responsible for as much as 90 percent of the world’s kratom. Cutting kratom availability by such a drastic amount when it’s more popular than ever will be difficult.
The WHO, Kratom, & Future Legislation
The World Health Organization takes on the responsibility of reviewing new drugs every year, and it was finally kratom’s turn to get the spotlight.
This made users nervous, and rightfully so — the WHO has the power to sway government opinion in these areas.
After looking in-depth into the research on kratom, the WHO decided kratom is not a concern and doesn’t need to be controlled. While this is a great relief, we still don’t know if it will be enough to change the laws and public opinion.
Can I Buy Kratom in Denmark?
No, kratom isn’t available for sale in Denmark.
Of course, if you receive an exception from the Danish Medicines Agency, you’ll still be able to purchase it. At the current time, kratom may only be used by people, laboratories, companies, and institutions that have gained an exception.
It’s also interesting to note that kratom may be imported from any EU nation where kratom sales are legal.
You could also turn to illicit sellers to purchase kratom, but that’s really not a good idea. You could purchase something that isn’t kratom or get a contaminated product.
If you want authentic kratom rather than a dangerous and fake one, be sure that you always purchase kratom from a reliable online vendor with a proven history. This is the only way to be sure that the kratom you receive is legitimate.
Why is Kratom Banned in Other Countries?
The primary reason nations give for banning kratom is to protect public health. Of course, there’s little to no evidence that it hurts people, especially when it’s taken responsibly.
In 2016 and 2017, a mere seven deaths occurred with a direct tie to kratom, and even those are clouded in suspicion. When numbers are so small, it’s easy to speculate that none of the deaths happened due to kratom.
Even if they did, though, there are millions of people who use kratom every single day. Seven deaths in two years aren’t enough to cause a variety of nations to ban kratom. So, what’s truly going on? It’s important to note that most people who have died from kratom, other substances were involved. Deaths have almost always been caused by a combination of kratom and opioids.
If you recall all the absurdity with cannabis, you already know that it doesn’t kill people. Yet it was banned almost everywhere. Now we know that cannabis can help with anxiety, pain, and much more, and it’s even being embraced by many places that used to treat it as a serious drug.
It seems likely that it’s banned because it helps people withdraw from opioids — drugs that line many people’s pockets.
However, now that opioids are finally viewed as a problem, this may open the door to reconsidering kratom.
We also know that kratom held significant cultural significance in Southeast Asia and had been used in cultural and religious ceremonies. Now that most Southeast Asian countries have banned it, this is no longer the case.
Kratom Use: A Quick History
Kratom has been used since the 19th century (or before) in Southeast Asia. Many residents have used it as traditional medicine and have treated diarrhea, fevers, and pain. They also took kratom during religious and cultural ceremonies.
However, the recent opioid epidemic caused some in the Western World to seek an alternative. It became known by some in the early 1900s, although it didn’t become prevalent until the 2000s.
The fact that kratom reduces dependence on opioids was widely celebrated. Word of mouth took kratom from being a little-known plant in Southeast Asia to a real solution for some. Now, studies show its benefits, though the research is still lacking.
It won’t be surprising if kratom becomes legal again in countries that have banned it.
Known Side Effects of Kratom
Users who take a moderate amount of kratom don’t run much risk.
If you regularly exceed 12 grams, however, there are a variety of side effects you could experience.
Some of the most common side effects of kratom are:
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
As long as you remain on the right side of the 12 grams rule, you are highly unlikely to develop an addiction [1]. In fact, becoming addicted to kratom is extremely rare and almost non-existent for those who use less than 12 grams.
Kratom Deaths: Can Kratom be Fatal?
When taken on its own, kratom does not appear to be fatal.
However, mixing it with another substance, especially opioids, changes things.
Scientists have proven that mixing kratom with opioids is a hazardous practice that may lead to death [2].
Taking kratom on its own is very different. You need to respect the plant, but you should be fine if you take it alone and don’t take more than 12 grams.
What is the Correct Dosage for Kratom?
The amount you need will vary, but here are the general dosage guidelines:
- Under 2 grams – Microdose
- 2 grams to 6 grams – Moderate dosage
- 6 grams to 12 grams – Heavy usage
- Over 12 grams – Not recommended
Newcomers should always start with 2 grams. You can always take more later if 2 grams isn’t enough.
Always remember that every person has their own tolerance levels.
How to Take Kratom Safely
There are several ways to take kratom, such as:
These are safe methods of consumption, but make sure you follow these tips.
- DO NOT mix kratom with another substance. The reality is that you shouldn’t take kratom with anything else, including alcohol and tobacco. This might seem overly restrictive, but the other substances can cause a negative interaction.
- DO NOT buy from an unverified vendor. Always look for third-party tests. Not doing so could lead to you buying bunk or adulterated kratom. Either way is extremely dangerous. You should only purchase kratom from a reputable online vendor with a proven reputation for providing clean products.
Key Takeaway: Is Kratom Legal in Denmark?
No, kratom isn’t legal in Denmark.
Denmark made kratom illegal in 2009. You probably won’t go to jail for using it, but you will face a fine. If you sell or grow kratom, you could end up in jail for up to two years.
On the bright side, you’re able to import kratom from any EU nation that sells legal kratom, thanks to the Lisbon Treaty.
Additionally, you may qualify to get a prescription for kratom from a Denmark medical professional.
Many EU countries have legalized kratom. Visiting one of these nations is also an excellent way to acquire and try kratom.
- 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.
