A new law to regulate decriminalised kratom came into force on August 27. The law covers not only kratom leaves but also beverages obtained from boiling leaves and extracts of the plant. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native
to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have opioid properties and are used as a mild stimulant and painkiller. The Kratom Plant Act of 2022 decriminalises kratom leaves and removes them from the list of narcotics. The law allows the possession, consumption
and use of kratom leaves. However, it places restrictions on the sale, marketing and advertising of leaves and on blending them with other psychotropic substances. Official permission is required to import or export the leaves. The new legislation
requires that relevant state agencies encourage people to grow and process kratom for use in their communities and development as an economic crop. The government's policy is to turn kratom into an economic crop and push for its medical use to create
incomes for farmers. Sales to children under 18, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers faces a fine of up to 30,000 baht. The sale of kratom is forbidden at educational institutions, dormitories, public parks, zoos and amusement parks, as well
as from vending machines. Violators risk a maximum fine of 50,000 baht. Import or export of kratom leaves without permission is penalised with a maximum of one year in jail and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht. The law also bans the
advertising of kratom leaves or leaves mixed with psychotropic substances for recreational purposes. Violators face a maximum two-year sentence and/or a fine of up to 200,000 baht. | 
