The Czech government, under Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, has proposed legislation aimed at tightening regulations surrounding the sale of kratom. Dubbed “lex kratom,” the proposed changes include raising the minimum age for purchase from 18 to 21. Online sales of kratom would be prohibited under the new rules. The government also intends to introduce a consumption tax on kratom products and reclassify them for Value Added Tax (VAT) purposes, moving them from a reduced to the standard rate. The proposed laws signal a stricter approach to the availability and taxation of kratom within the Czech Republic. These measures are intended to address concerns regarding public health and potential misuse of the substance. The legislation is now subject to parliamentary debate and approval.