The Ukrainian government has officially classified Kratom as a narcotic substance because of its opioid-like and stimulant properties. Once popular among young people in drink form, the plant will now be prohibited for sale in the country.

On November 15, the Cabinet of Ministers made an important revision to the list of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors under Resolution No. 1306. As part of this update, Kratom, a plant often used to make teas, has now been classified as a narcotic substance due to its psychoactive properties, which resemble both opioids and stimulants.

The announcement was made by Ukrainian lawmaker Dmitry Gurin on the social media platform X. The primary reason for the ban is the presence of two active compounds in Kratom - mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine - both of which can produce stimulating effects and feelings of euphoria.

According to the World Health Organization, Kratom has been recognized for its potential pain-relieving properties. The compounds found in Kratom leaves can act as a mild stimulant in smaller doses or, when consumed in higher quantities, as a sedative.

Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, is typically consumed in the form of teas or infusions. Prior to the ban, these Kratom-based drinks were widely consumed by young people in Ukraine, and could be easily found in coffee shops and retail outlets across the country.

While Kratom is listed as a "new psychoactive substance" by the EU Early Warning System, its sale remains mostly unregulated across the European Union. However, several European countries have already imposed bans on the plant.

Alongside the Kratom ban, the Ukrainian government is moving to reestablish state oversight of medicine quality. Beginning January 1, 2025, regulatory control over the production, trade and import of pharmaceuticals will be reinstated, following a temporary suspension during martial law. However, unscheduled inspections will still be conducted as needed.