Is Kratom Legal in Ukraine?

Written by Wade Paul
Last Updated 9 months ago

Wade Paul

Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Wade Paul is the founder and editor-in-chief at Kratom.org.

Kratom is legal in Ukraine. 

In fact, officials in Ukraine have taken a different viewpoint on all drugs and allowed their use in small amounts. It adopted a new policy that works to make drugs less available and the public healthier. 

Here’s what we know about kratom laws in Ukraine and how they compare to other parts of the world. Plus, find out about kratom’s history and how to use it safely.

Kratom Legality in Ukraine and Elsewhere

Kratom is legal in Ukraine, along with much of the U.S., Canada, and part of the EU. It seems by Ukraine’s national drug laws that it’s following the steps of other countries and decriminalizing drugs. 

Article 316 of Ukraine’s criminal code says using narcotics in public is illegal. Possession of small amounts can be an administrative offense. 

Couple these changes with the WHO’s recent review of kratom, and it’s unlikely Ukraine will add the plant or its alkaloids to its list of controlled substances

Laws are also constantly changing, so be sure to check into local legislation and make your voice heard. 

Kratom Laws Around the World

Other countries have taken steps to ban kratom, including Denmark, Romania, the UK, and Australia. Even some states in the US have outlawed it.

Governments have battled with the best way to handle kratom. For example, the planting of kratom trees was banned in Thailand all the way back in 1943. Thailand was also one of the first nations to ban kratom back in 1979. Was this for the good of the people? The government may have made this claim, but it appears to have been rooted in the thriving opium market instead.  

In 2018, Thailand’s government reversed course, making kratom legal again. Although this is a welcome development, it’s hindered by Indonesia’s plans for 2024. That’s the year they plan to ban kratom, which will seriously hurt the worldwide supply.

Malaysia also banned kratom, but they haven’t been very successful. This is due to the plant growing naturally in Malaysia. In other words, pretty much anyone who wants access to kratom can go into the woods and get some. The only thing to be accomplished by Malaysia’s ban is the prevention of taxes and regulations.    

Can I Buy Kratom in Ukraine? 

Yes, you should be able to buy kratom in Ukraine. 

We couldn’t find shops that sell it, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. One website advertises specifically to kratom vendors in Ukraine, so it seems they are there. You’ll likely have more luck if you’re actually in the country. If not, let us know!

You shouldn’t need to turn to the black market or other illicit sources. Just be sure that you also don’t purchase kratom from a smoke shop or headshop, either. Your best source will always be finding a reputable online source. 

Why is Kratom Banned in Other Countries?

There are several reasons governments want to ban kratom, ranging from public health interests to protecting pharmaceutical companies. 

The truth, however, is that kratom is a naturally occurring substance that’s been in use since at least the 19th century. It’s generally well-tolerated and has important religious and cultural significance in some areas. 

There are many people who claim that kratom’s current path reminds them of marijuana’s long road back to being legal. 

Suggested Reading: Top Traditional Uses for Kratom

Known Side Effects of Kratom 

Moderate users rarely experience side effects.  

If you use 12 grams or more on a daily basis, your odds of experiencing one or more of kratom’s side effects goes up. Usually, these effects diminish with smaller amounts.

Some of the most common side effects of kratom are:  

  • Sedation 
  • Lethargy 
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Change in hormone profiles 
  • Possible impaired liver functions 

Although it is possible to become addicted to kratom, it’s quite rare [1]. The best way to avoid this issue is to never use more than 12 grams at a time.   

Kratom Use: A Quick History 

According to statistics, opioid addiction is on the rise, causing people to look for an alternative option — which eventually brought kratom into the mainstream. 

Kratom provides opioid-like properties, but it doesn’t come with the nastier side effects. As soon as this was recognized in the Western World, it became a resource for getting off of opioids. 

It’s been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including diarrhea and fever, in Southeast Asia, where it grows naturally.

Kratom Deaths: Can Kratom be Fatal? 

Using kratom responsibly prevents it from being fatal. 

If you choose to mix kratom with another substance (especially opioids), it can become quite dangerous. 

Scientists have been studying the link between kratom and opioids for some time and have found that mixing the two can cause death [2]. 

Never mix kratom with an opioid. Doing so is not responsible and increases your risk of overdosing or dying. 

What is the Correct Dosage for Kratom? 

It’s hard to narrow down specifics because so many things come into play. What effects are you after? Have you eaten? What method are you using? Plus, body weight, hydration, etc., also have to be considered. 

However, there are general dose guidelines that can help. A small dose is 2-5 g, a medium dose is 5-10 g, and anything over 10 g is a large dose. Start with a small amount to see how it makes you feel before going higher.

Whether you brew the powder into a tea, take it in a capsule, or use a kratom tincture, make sure you buy and use it safely.  

How to Take Kratom Safely 

The best way to stay safe is by only using products that are tested by a third party and always taking a break from it. 

When taking kratom, NEVER mix it with any other substance. Stay off of tobacco and avoid drinking alcohol with kratom. 

It’s important not to mix kratom with painkillers. These have an especially high risk of causing a negative interaction. 

It’s best to take kratom that’s been sourced from a reputable online vendor. This will practically eliminate your risk of getting kratom that’s been adultered with another substance.  

Suggested Reading: How Long Should I Wait Between Kratom Doses?

Key Takeaway: Is Kratom Legal in Ukraine? 

Kratom is legal in Ukraine

Due to Ukraine’s drug policy, it seems highly unlikely that it will be banned. It’s best not to fly with kratom, though, as it could be illegal in other nearby countries. Instead, wait until you reach Ukraine and purchase it there.  

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