Is Kratom Legal in Poland?

Kratom has been banned in Poland since 2009. 

Poland takes a harsh stance against drugs of any type. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise that kratom (Mitragnya speciosa) is illegal here. 

Simply possessing kratom could get you as much as three years in jail. There is a legal workaround, however, which we’ll discuss below.  

Kratom Legality in Poland & Elsewhere

Kratom became illegal in Poland in 2009. This law is expressly stated in Annex 1 of the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction.  

Poland was an early adopter of the law that banned kratom. Since then, many other nations have joined in, including Romania, the U.K., Denmark, and Australia. 

Kratom Laws Throughout the World

It’s still legal throughout most of the U.S. and Canada; however, it’s viewed with a critical eye.

Kratom hails from Southeast Asia and is indigenous to Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Even in Southeast Asia, the plant’s usage is controversial.  

Thailand drew first blood by banning people from planting kratom in 1943. Then, in 1979, they outright banned the usage and sale of kratom. Why did Thailand ban kratom? There are many possible reasons, but the idea that’s gained the most steam has to do with controlling the opium market. 

Thailand reversed course in 2018, making kratom legal once again. 

Malaysia has also tried to ban kratom. What they didn’t do, however, was banning the plant itself. As a result, kratom is easy to find in Malaysia and is widely used, despite the ban. 

The biggest concern regarding kratom is still to come. Indonesia, which supplies most of the world with kratom, is planning to ban it in 2024. If this comes to fruition, the kratom market will change dramatically.   

Maybe Indonesia will change its mind now that the World Health Organization has reviewed kratom and sees it as safe.

Can I Buy Kratom in Poland? 

No, you may not buy Kratom in Poland. 

However, it seems there’s an interesting wrinkle in the law, which may allow citizens to enjoy kratom. 

It’s possible you can order kratom from a place within the EU where it’s legal and have your package delivered to Poland, thanks to the Lisbon Treaty. The legality of this is unclear, so do some research first to avoid legal trouble. Countries you may be able to order from include France, Spain, and Germany. You must double-check local laws to make sure you can order it legally.

Of course, you could also grab kratom on the black market or from an illicit trader. This is very dangerous, though, as you have no idea what you’ll actually get. Many of these traders adulterate kratom before selling it, which could lead to serious health complications.   

Your best bet is to select a reputable online vendor from within the EU. Alternatively, you could use kratom when you visit a country where it’s legal. 

Why is Kratom Banned in Poland (& Other Countries)?

Poland has harsh drug laws, which include a prohibition on using kratom. This has been done in the interest of public health, but penalties are severe.

All psychoactive substances carry a potential penalty of up to three years in prison, regardless of how much you have on you. 

Trafficking these drugs comes with a six to twelve-month sentence. 

Other countries have banned kratom for similar reasons, although each country has its own specific reasons for why it was made illegal. 

Known Side Effects of Kratom 

Moderate kratom use rarely causes side effects. 

Using more than 12 g of kratom regularly greatly increases your odds of having adverse effects.   

Some of the most common side effects of kratom are:  

• Sedation 
• Lethargy 
• Dizziness
• Nausea and/or vomiting 

Although it’s quite rare, kratom occasionally leads to addiction [1]. It takes a lot more to become addicted to kratom than it does to an opioid. 

Kratom Use: A Quick History 

Recent statistics show that opioid use is out of control — an entire generation is way too dependant on them. In an effort to get off of opioids without serious withdrawal symptoms, many in the West have turned to kratom.

Kratom offers opioid-like properties without the risk of respiratory failure. This one fact alone has caused people worldwide to substitute kratom for opioids. When you add in the fact that opioids are much more addictive, it just makes sense to try something else instead. 

People in Southeast Asia have been using kratom since at least the 19th century. Kratom is a major part of Southeast Asia’s traditional medicine and has important cultural and religious significance — and science is confirming many of these uses. 

Kratom Deaths: Can Kratom be Fatal? 

Responsible kratom users don’t have much to worry about. 

If, however, you choose to mix kratom with another substance (especially opioids), you’re putting yourself in danger. These mixtures are often extremely harmful and may even kill you. 

Kratom deaths almost always involve at least one other substance, usually opioids [2]. 

What is the Correct Dosage for Kratom? 

There is no “correct” dose of kratom, but there are guidelines that help you determine how much to use. However, this will vary depending on the effects you want.

Common kratom doses:

• Microdose: Less than 2 g
• Small dose: 2-5 g
• Medium dose: 5-8 g
• Large dose: 8-12 g

Just remember your chances of addiction or building a tolerance go up if you take higher doses or use it too often.

If you’re new to kratom or trying a new strain, start with no more than 2 g and see how it makes you feel. 

How to Take Kratom Safely 

As you can see, kratom is relatively safe. Avoid mixing it with other substances or using too much of it too often, and you should be fine.  

Many products and methods are available; most are safe, but some are less so. 

The best way to take kratom is by making tea, using capsules, or in a tincture.  

Key Takeaway: Is Kratom Legal in Poland? 

Kratom is illegal in Poland. 

Poland’s ban on kratom has been in place since 2009. Due to Poland’s harsh drug laws, it seems unlikely it will become legal again, but maybe the government will reconsider since the WHO has suggested it’s safe. You might be able to have it delivered to your home address if you buy it from an EU country where it’s legal, but we haven’t verified the legality of that. 

Another good way to try kratom is by visiting a country where it’s legal. Always make sure you buy quality products from a reputable dealer. 

Kratom is generally well-tolerated and doesn’t cause many issues for users who stick with 12 g or less. Opioids, meanwhile, can become very addictive and may even kill you. For this one reason alone, kratom is worth checking out.