Germany Considering Kratom Ban

The European Kratom Association (EKA) has announced that Germany is considering a ban on kratom.

The EKA released the following statement (translated from German), along with a petition on EKA.eu:

Act now to avert the Kratom ban in Germany!

Description

We are at a crucial point regarding the future of Kratom in Germany. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) is currently considering a ban on this natural substance after Belgium recently banned it. This potential decision could have far-reaching consequences and we need your support to ensure a thoughtful and informed approach to regulating Kratom.

Why this issue matters:

1. Public health: An estimated 1.5 million people in Germany rely on Kratom to manage their daily lives. A ban could force some to resort to less safe alternatives.
2. Scientific research: A ban could hinder ongoing research into Kratom as a safe alternative to opioids.
3. Personal freedom: This decision affects our right to make informed decisions about our health and well-being.
4. European precedent: Germany's decision will influence policy across the European Union.

Rationale

What you can do:

1. Sign the petition: Add your name to show your support for access to kratom.
2. Share your experience: Speak to or write to your local and federal politicians and share your positive experiences with kratom.
3. Spread this petition: Educate others about this issue and the potential impact of a kratom ban.
4. Stay informed: Follow developments on this issue and be prepared to take further action if necessary.

More information:

For over a century, natural health alternatives have been increasingly restricted, often under the guise of consumer protection. In contrast, the United States passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994, which protects access to many natural health products. This was achieved through informed civic engagement—the same approach we are calling for now.

Your voice matters:

Decision makers need to hear from people like you. Your experiences and insights can help ensure that decisions about kratom are based on a comprehensive understanding of the impact on users and society.

Take action today!

While there is no immediate deadline, it is important that we make our voices heard now while the decision is still pending. If we act quickly, we can contribute to a more informed and balanced approach to regulating kratom in Germany and potentially across Europe.

Sign the petition to show your support for preserving access to kratom and other natural alternatives. Together, we can protect the right to make informed decisions about our health.

Share your story!

The EKA is a nonprofit organization formed in 2021 to promote education and research about kratom in Europe, and to regulate and standardize kratom so that European kratom consumers can have safe, legal access to the plant. EKA is also committed to environmental sustainability and fair trade practices in the nations where kratom is grown.

Germany is relatively progressive on psychoactive substance policy. Germany legalized medical cannabis in 2017 and in 2024 became one of nine countries that have legalized recreational cannabis nationwide. Germany has focused on harm reduction, including education and treatment instead of incarceration.