Kratom is a psychoactive substance that is still legal or regulated in certain countries around the world. But here in the UK, Kratom is illegal. Understanding the law around it is important if you’re considering buying Kratom online or bringing it into the UK from overseas, and if you or someone close to you is using Kratom, you may also be interested in the legal position and potential health risks associated with the substance.

Here we look at everything you need to know, including what Kratom is, why some people believe it is safe, why it is banned in the UK and what you can do if you’re worried about Kratom use. We’ll also introduce you to Asana Lodge – an addiction treatment centre supporting individuals of all ages to get their life back on track and turn away from substance misuse for good.

 

The short answer is no. Kratom is illegal to produce, supply, import or sell for human consumption. It is covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, but there is some confusion around it. The Act states that possession alone isn’t a criminal offence, but offences may apply depending on the circumstances.

Some countries have banned it, while others regulate and permit its sale under certain circumstances.

 

What is Kratom?

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, the leaves have been chewed or brewed into tea.

Kratom has recently started gaining attention again as some countries market it as a natural supplement or alternative remedy. Natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe, and many health professionals warn against its use.

 

How Kratom Affects the Body

Kratom contains naturally occurring compounds which interact with opioid receptors in the brain. This means its effects vary depending on the amount consumed.

At lower doses, stimulant-like effects are often reported, including increased alertness, more energy and sociability. At higher doses, Kratom can produce opioid-like effects such as pain relief, relaxation, drowsiness and feelings of euphoria.

Responses between individuals and doses can vary, especially as Kratom can differ in strength and purity, so predicting its effect can be difficult.

 

The Kratom Ban in the UK

The UK decided to ban Kratom during a crackdown on psychoactive substances and the effect these can have on physical and mental health. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 was introduced to reduce the availability of substances that were capable of altering mood, perception and consciousness – especially in cases with insufficient evidence on how they could be used safely.

What’s more, health authorities have raised concerns about several Kratom issues including:

  • The potential for dependence
  • Unpredictable potency
  • Contamination with other substances
  • Limited quality control in products sold online
  • Reports of adverse physical and psychological effects

Ultimately, as Kratom is largely unregulated around the world, users don’t know what they are consuming or how strong it is.

 

Kratom Legality in the UK

Can you buy Kratom in the UK?

You can’t buy or import Kratom for human consumption. This means UK businesses cannot legally sell Kratom and reputable retailers won’t stock it. Although some websites advertise delivery to the UK, shipments are likely to be intercepted and seized by Border Force. Attempting to import Kratom could also result in legal consequences.

Is Kratom possession illegal?

This is where the law is different from many other controlled drugs. Possession of Kratom alone isn’t an offence. But possession alongside evidence of supply, distribution or importation may be investigated.

 

Health Risks Associated With Kratom

With many organisations marketing Kratom as a health supplement, much of its online content focuses on potential benefits. But it’s just as important to understand the possible risks. These include:

  • Dependence and tolerance
  • Withdrawal symptoms when stopping
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Increased heart rate
  • Anxiety or agitation
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Potential liver injury
  • Dangerous interactions with alcohol, prescription medicines and other drugs

Some people believe that natural substances are safe. But many natural substances such as poisonous plants and certain mushrooms can have powerful effects on the body. Kratom is no exception, especially when it’s used in high doses or regularly.

 

Can You Become Addicted to Kratom?

Yes, you can become dependent on Kratom. Dependence is when the body has adapted to a substance and withdrawal symptoms develop if you suddenly stop using it. There is also the risk of addiction, which is characterised by compulsive use despite harmful consequences.

If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Kratom, you might suffer from:

  • Muscle aches
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Low mood
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Restlessness

What’s more, those who have used Kratom regularly may find stopping it very hard, and it can even be dangerous.

 

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Professional support might be beneficial if:

  • Your kratom use is increasing over time
  • You’ve tried to stop but keep returning to it
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms when you reduce your use
  • Kratom is affecting your work, education or relationships
  • You feel unable to control your use despite wanting to stop

Getting help can make recovery more straightforward and also reduce the risk of long-term harm. At Asana Lodge, our experienced team provides evidence-based addiction treatment tailored to individual needs. We combine medically informed care, psychological therapies and recovery support to help you address both substance use and the underlying factors that are contributing to it.

 

Reach Out Today

If you’re thinking about using Kratom, it’s important to look into the information available from trusted sources like the NHS and official government guidance rather than claims made by online retailers. And if your own Kratom use or someone else’s is becoming difficult to manage, support is always here.

Contact our team today to learn more about our treatment options, including inpatient rehabilitation, counselling and group therapy.

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