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Summary for: Kratom overdoses send 515 people for treatment as Czechia plans tighter rulesKratom overdoses led to 515 people receiving medical care in Czechia between April and June this year, with people under 20 making up the largest age group, according to figures released by the Health Ministry.
More than 60 percent of recorded cases involved serious health problems. The findings come as the government seeks tighter restrictions on sales, including raising the minimum purchase age to 21.
“Unfortunately, the data show that despite regulated sales, kratom is still reaching children and adolescents,” Health Minister Adam Vojtěch said in a ministry statement.
Younger patients account for a large share
The figures, compiled by the Institute of Health Information and Statistics, recorded 609 treatment cases involving 515 individual patients. Some people received care more than once.
Of those patients, 196 were under 20 and another 102 were aged 20 to 24. Together, these groups accounted for nearly three-fifths of everyone treated. Around two-thirds of patients were male.
A total of 203 people received acute inpatient care, including intensive care. More than 330 reports came from hospital care, although that figure counts reports rather than individual patients.
Dita Protopopová, the ministry’s senior director for mental health and addictions, warned against treating kratom as a harmless natural product.
Its use can have serious health consequences, particularly for adolescents, she said. Alongside clearer sales rules and effective enforcement, she called for prevention and access to professional help.
Government seeks a higher purchase age
In September, the government backed an amendment to the law on addictive substances that would raise the minimum age for buying kratom from 18 to 21 from next year.
The proposal would also tighten requirements for sellers and strengthen the powers of customs officers and public health inspectors. Government approval does not mean the changes are already in force.
Police recorded 17 deaths associated with kratom use in Czechia last year. These involved either high levels of kratom alone or combinations with alcohol, medicines and THC.
The ministry cited the treatment figures as further justification for tightening access. Vojtěch said the continued availability of kratom to children and adolescents was a clear reason to strengthen the rules.
