The Dutch are well known for their relaxed stance on natural substances, psychoactive or not. Unsurprisingly, kratom, along with magic truffles, cannabis, and various other plant-based drugs, are legal here.
In fact, most of the kratom vendors supplying customers all over Europe are located right here in Holland.
Here, we’ll explore the specifics regarding kratom laws in the Netherlands, along with some advice on where to buy the best kratom near you, how to spot the red flags of shady vendors, and other tips on how to stay safe while using kratom.
Is Kratom Legal in the Netherlands?
Yes, kratom is legal in the Netherlands.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) isn’t listed in the country’s Opium Law, which regulates the sale and possession of opiate drugs like morphine, heroin, OxyContin, and more.
Kratom laws are a bit controversial. It’s currently illegal in about 17 EU member countries.
The main argument against kratom is that because it has opioid-like effects, and opioids are both addictive and dangerous, kratom must be too. However, the evidence suggests otherwise, suggesting kratom has value as a form of harm-reduction for preventing dependency and addiction to stronger pharmaceutical opiates.
Countries that allow kratom have yet to publish any data that suggests this herb to be contributing to the opioid epidemic.
What Are The Side Effects of Kratom?
As with any pharmacologically-active substance, there’s always going to be some chances of side effects when using kratom. Most of the time, these side effects are mild in nature.
The most common side effects of kratom are:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Weight loss
To minimize your chances of experiencing side effects, it’s wise to take periodic breaks from kratom (every few days) and avoid using too much. You should never mix kratom with other medications, alcohol, or take kratom while pregnant.
What is the Best Dosage for Kratom?
The doses for kratom range between 2 grams and 12 grams.
Those who choose to microdose kratom will take fewer than 2 grams. Anyone who exceeds 12 grams, especially on a regular basis, will have an increased risk of side effects.
Because everyone’s body responds differently to kratom, it’s a wise idea to start with 2 grams and work your way up from there.
Remember: kratom isn’t a competition between you and your friends. Take the amount that works for you, not for anyone else. Just make sure you remain on the right side of the 12-gram ratio.
How to Take Kratom Safely
Kratom is sold in a variety of different formats. For example, you can use the toss ‘n wash method, take kratom in a capsule, or brew the powder into a tea.
NEVER, EVER mix kratom with ANY other substance.
This includes drinking and tobacco. Additionally, you shouldn’t mix kratom with painkillers, either.
In fact, using kratom with painkillers is the quickest way to cause a negative interaction. Sometimes these interactions can even be fatal.
No matter what format you prefer, your best bet is to purchase kratom from a reputable online vendor. Never order kratom from street-level vendors or companies that can’t prove the quality of their products through independent third-party testing (usually found on the companies website).
Key Takeaway: Is Kratom Legal in the Netherlands?
Yes, kratom is legal in the Netherlands.
As long as you choose to be responsible by not exceeding 12 grams or mixing it with another substance, you can enjoy kratom without taking much risk.
Another bonus is that because the Netherlands is part of the EU, you can also purchase it from any other country in the EU that has legal 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.
