Government plans 18 measures to tighten drug policy

The Czech government is determined to tighten the country’s policy on soft drugs. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said after Wednesday's cabinet meeting that the government intends to push through amendments to four laws related to addictive substances, introducing a total of 18 measures to clamp down on drug abuse.

He did not specify which legislation will be amended. However, according to information obtained by the Czech News Agency (ČTK), the proposals include removing kratom from legal sale, tightening regulations on cannabis growers and users, speeding up the process of classifying substances as prohibited or under review, and expanding the powers of municipalities and police.

The package is expected to be discussed by the Government Council for the Coordination of Addiction Policy on 17 June. A document seen by ČTK indicates that kratom could be withdrawn from the market and access to cannabis could once again be restricted.