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Interview with the European Kratom Alliance (EKA): present and future of Kratom in Spain and Europe
Kratom is illegal in about half of Europe, and its future in Germany hangs in the balance. To keep Kratom legal and protect its consumers, the European Kratom Alliance (EKA) was formed.
We at KationicKratom had the pleasure of interviewing Jakub Zientala, who is in charge of most of EKA’s operations. We talked about the future of Kratom across Europe, including Spain, where it is legal but not regulated, how it is intended to be regulated, the steps that are being taken and what research with this plant should focus on.
How did EKA come into existence?
The European Kratom Alliance (EKA) was born out of necessity in August 2021. Its creation was sparked by news that the World Health Organization (WHO) was considering recommending a prohibition on kratom.
Amid widespread misinformation about the powers of the WHO and the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UNCD), I saw an urgent need for action.
I reached out to Manuel Nussbaumer, now EKA’s president, with a proposition: create an organization to defend kratom users’ rights and prevent further prohibitions in Europe. Our goal was to combat misinformation and advocate for continued access to kratom.
From this initial concept, EKA quickly evolved into a proactive force. We began by networking with kratom users, vendors, and advocates across Europe, focusing on education and awareness. Despite challenges in coordinating across different countries and legal systems, EKA has become a unified voice for the European kratom community, working to ensure that kratom policies are based on facts rather than fear.
Kratom is illegal in a large number of European countries, but is anyone facing prison sentences for possession or importation? Can these people get legal help from EKA?
Unfortunately, Kratom is illegal in about half of Europe. Some countries have criminalized the possession of substances like kratom, and some allow for some personal possession. However, the amount of Kratom that the average user consumes is way beyond the typical 5 grams that are typically allowed in the majority of European legislations. Kratom cases are rare and far between; however, we have assisted already in one case.
We helped Mr Maguire, from Ireland who was charged with importing 2kgs of kratom, which Irish police estimated to be worth 200 000 euros. We provided evidence that kratom can be used in self-treatment. Whereas it is not our core concern, we always help when people turn to us for help.
After legalising cannabis, Germany tries to outlaw Kratom. This movement seems paradoxical, what causes do you think are behind it?
The contrasting approach to cannabis and kratom in Germany might seem strange at first, but there are a few reasons behind it.
Cannabis has a long history in Western medicine, with years of research backing it up. Kratom, however, is still relatively new in Europe. This difference in familiarity likely influences how policymakers view each substance.
Public perception plays a big role too. Most Germans have heard of cannabis and have a general idea of what it is, even if they don’t use it. Kratom, on the other hand, is unfamiliar to many, which can lead to caution among both the public and politicians.
There’s also an economic angle to consider. The cannabis industry promises significant tax revenue and job creation, while the kratom market might be seen as smaller and less economically impactful.
However, from what I can see, the main reason for this seemingly contradictory approach isn’t about big pharma influence or a carefully planned strategy. It’s much more mundane – it looks like it’s just another case of bureaucracy at work.
Different government departments, each with their own procedures and priorities, are likely handling these substances separately. This can lead to outcomes that might not make sense when viewed side by side.
The good news is that if it’s just bureaucracy, there’s room for change. With the right information and advocacy, perspectives on kratom could shift over time.
The EKA is fighting for kratom in Europe, but is it possible to legalize Kratom in the whole EU, or the fight needs to be done country by country?
On the other hand, is it possible an EU-wide ban?
Now, here’s the information presented in a more natural, conversational tone:
When it comes to kratom’s legal status in Europe, things are pretty complex. We at the EKA have looked at this from all angles, and here’s what we’ve found:
- First off, an EU-wide ban on kratom is pretty unlikely. The situation across Europe is just too varied right now for that to happen easily. On the flip side, getting kratom regulated at the EU level also seems to be a bit of a long shot. Here’s why: if we went that route, kratom would probably have to be classified as a novel food. But given that kratom is a psychoactive substance that’s been traditionally used as medicine, it’s highly doubtful that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) would buy into that classification.
- To complicate things further, about half of the EU countries already consider kratom illegal. With that kind of split, trying to get any kind of unified EU regulation is pretty much off the table.
So, after mulling over all these options, we at the EKA decided that a country-by-country approach is our best bet. We’ve even come up with a new category called «psycho-modulatory substances.» This definition gives us some wiggle room to regulate different natural psychoactive substances like kratom.
This approach lets us tailor our efforts to each country’s unique situation – their laws, culture, and attitudes towards substances like kratom. It’s not the quickest or easiest path, but we believe it’s the most realistic way to make progress towards kratom legalization across Europe.
An EU-wide ban on kratom is pretty unlikely. The situation across Europe is just too varied right now for that to happen easily. On the flip side, getting kratom regulated at the EU level also seems to be a bit of a long shot.
Jakub Zientala
European Kratom Alliance
Correct me if I am wrong: if Kratom had been significantly consumed within the EU, it would now be legal. We know that at that time it had almost no presence on our continent, but has there been any attempt to explore that legal avenue? If Kratom is classified as ‘novel food’, what are the implications?
If kratom had been more widely known and used in Europe earlier, we might be looking at a different situation today. If it had been discovered just a few years earlier, it might have had an easier path to being classified as a novel food. But here’s the thing – kratom isn’t your average food supplement.
Kratom is a psychoactive substance, which immediately sets it apart from what we typically consider «food.» It’s not a medicine either, at least not in the traditional regulatory sense. This puts us in a bit of a tricky spot when it comes to regulation.
Given these circumstances, we can’t treat kratom like we would a new type of candy or superfood. Its regulation needs to be more along the lines of how we handle substances like alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis. This means we need to think about things like age restrictions – keeping it out of the hands of minors by setting an 18+ age limit, for instance.
We also need to be upfront about the fact that kratom can be addictive. It’s not about demonizing the substance, but about being realistic and responsible. Part of that responsibility involves managing the levels of different alkaloids in kratom products to ensure consistency and safety.
Now, if we were to try and squeeze kratom into the novel food category, we’d run into some serious issues. The novel food framework just isn’t set up to deal with the unique properties and considerations that come with a substance like kratom. We’d risk ending up with regulations that either don’t do enough to ensure safe use, or that are so strict they effectively ban kratom altogether.
What we really need is a tailored approach. That’s why we’re looking at creating a new category – something like «psycho-modulatory substances» – that can accommodate kratom and similar substances. This would allow us to create regulations that actually make sense for kratom, balancing consumer access with the necessary safeguards.
It’s a complex issue, no doubt about it. But by recognizing kratom’s unique position – not quite a food, not quite a medicine, but a substance with both potential benefits and risks – we can work towards a regulatory framework that’s fair, safe, and realistic.
Regarding consumer protection, GMP and minimal testing standards are logical measures. Some people claim that limiting the content of 7-hidroxymitraginine will prevent abuse and side effects prevalence, but perhaps, this can also limit Kratom’s therapeutic potential. Does the EKA advocate for limiting 7-hidroxymitraginine content on kratom? What about high potency extracts?
Let me break down our approach to kratom safety and regulation for you. It’s a bit of a complex issue, but we’re tackling it head-on.
First off, we’re working closely with vendors to get them on board with the American Kratom Association’s Good Manufacturing Practice standards. It’s all about ensuring quality and consistency in kratom products. But we’re not stopping there. We’re also collaborating with three different labs across Europe – in Spain, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic – to develop robust testing procedures. We want to make sure that what’s on the label is what’s in the product, plain and simple.
Now, when it comes to 7-hydroxymitragynine, our stance is pretty clear. We believe it should be below the detectable minimum in kratom products.
Look, there’s still a lot we don’t know about kratom and its alkaloids, but from what we can tell, products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine shouldn’t even be on the market. It’s a precautionary approach, sure, but we think it’s the right one for now.
As for high potency extracts, well, that’s a bit of a hot potato. We’re not quite ready to open up that debate fully yet. But I can tell you that there’s a general consensus forming around the idea that we need to put some limits on how potent the extracts available to end consumers can be. We’re looking at the situation in the USA, where there have been cases of people suffering complications from overdoses, and we’re thinking, «Let’s not go down that road.» We want people to be able to use kratom safely, without risking their health.
It’s all about finding that sweet spot, you know? We want to keep kratom accessible for those who benefit from it, but we also need to make sure it’s as safe as possible. It’s a balancing act, for sure, but that’s the goal we’re working towards.
Europe doesn’t offer the best conditions to grow Kratom threes, but do you know anyone trying to do it for commercial purposes?
When it comes to growing kratom in Europe, we’re facing some real challenges. Kratom trees need a climate similar to what coffee or tea plants thrive in, and Europe is generally too cold for outdoor cultivation.
You could grow kratom in greenhouses, but it probably wouldn’t be commercially viable. The costs of maintaining tropical conditions year-round in a European greenhouse would likely make any kratom produced this way too expensive.
So while it’s an interesting idea, commercial kratom farming in Europe isn’t really feasible. We’re better off focusing on ensuring safe, high-quality imports instead.
Regarding science, we need more studies on Kratom, specially clinical trials on humans. Is the EKA working with any research group?
What should kratom-related research focus on?
When it comes to kratom research, you’re spot on – we definitely need more of it, especially human clinical trials. There are some exciting studies happening in the USA right now, which is great to see.
As for the EKA, well, we’re not directly involved in any research at the moment. It’s not for lack of interest, mind you – it’s more a matter of resources. We’re a small team, just four people, and sponsoring research requires some serious funding that we simply don’t have right now.
But don’t think we’re not paying attention. We keep a close eye on new studies and findings, always trying to stay informed about the latest developments in kratom research.
For now, we’re focusing on what we can do with our current resources – advocating for kratom, educating people, and working towards sensible regulation in Europe. It might not be glamorous, but it’s important work, and we’re committed to it.
Last question: the EKA wants to legalize Kratom in at least 2 countries by the end of 2025, in what countries is the EKA working? Is it active in Spain?
We’re making great progress in the Czech Republic, working closely with the government. If all goes well, we should have kratom regulated there by year’s end. We’re also active in the Netherlands and gearing up for efforts in Germany. Slovakia is on our radar too, but to a lesser extent.
Spain isn’t a focus for us right now – we’re concentrating our limited resources on these other countries where we see the most potential for progress. It’s an exciting time for EKA, and we’re optimistic about the future of kratom regulation in Europe.
Thank you so much for this interview. It’s been a pleasure sharing our work and goals with you. We appreciate your interest in EKA and our efforts to promote safe and legal access to kratom across Europe. If you have any more questions in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out!
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