Kratom Legality in Germany (as of August 2025)

Possession / Use
- Legal – not controlled under BtMG or AMG

Sale for Consumption
- Possible legal violation under EU Novel Food law unless approved

Marketing with Health Claims
- Legally risky—may require medicinal product authorization

Safe Alternative
- Offer as a botanical or craft item with proper “Not for consumption” labelling

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Is Kratom a Narcotic in Germany?
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No. As of August 2025, Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is not listed in the German Narcotic Drugs Act (Betäubungsmittelgesetz - BtMG). This means that its possession, sale, and use are not subject to the criminal laws that govern substances like cocaine, heroin, or cannabis (with exceptions for recreational use).

The legal status of Kratom was further clarified by a landmark court ruling by the Higher Regional Court of Cologne in 2015, which confirmed that the plant is not considered a medicinal product under the German Medicinal Products Act (*Arzneimittelgesetz - AMG).


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How Can It Be Sold Legally?
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Given its unique legal status, Kratom is typically sold in Germany as a botanical product or raw material, and not with any claims of its effects or for human consumption. We are committed to operating within the legal framework and want to be transparent with you about this.


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Important Legal References:
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- German Narcotic Drugs Act (BtMG): This law is the primary reference for controlled substances in Germany. The official list of controlled substances can be found on the website of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM): (https://www.bfarm.de/EN/Home/_node.html)

- German Medicinal Products Act (AMG): This law regulates medicinal products. The 2015 court ruling clarified that Kratom is not subject to this law.

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We are committed to following all relevant German laws and regulations. If you have further questions, we encourage you to consult with a legal professional.
What Science Says

Kratom contains mitragynine, a naturally occurring compound affecting the nervous system. Preliminary observational studies—such as those by Grundmann (2017) and Swogger (2015)—suggest that mitragynine may:

- Encourage mental focus and motivation
- Help users feel calmer or emotionally balanced
- Provide mild pain relief or anti-inflammatory effects

Important:
These outcomes derive from surveys and anecdotal data—not controlled clinical trials—so the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not evaluated any health claims, and none should be presented as medical advice.


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Putting Kratom in Context
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Many fitness enthusiasts (especially in the "gym bro" community) in the U.S. report using kratom as a caffeine alternative to enhance endurance or post-workout recovery. While data is largely anecdotal, it highlights kratom’s growing popularity outside traditional settings.


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Legal and Safety Disclaimer
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- This content is not medical advice.
- The effects of kratom vary individually.
- Users must be over 18 years old.
- In the EU, kratom regulation differs: in several countries, it's not permitted as a food or supplement. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with your local legislation.


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Wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse
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Kratom enthält Mitragynin, einen natürlichen Wirkstoff mit Einfluss auf das zentrale Nervensystem. Frühere Beobachtungsstudien (u. a. Grundmann 2017, Swogger 2015) legen nahe, dass Mitragynin:

- Konzentration und Motivation fördern kann
- Bei emotionaler Balance und Stressabbau helfen kann
- Möglicherweise leichte Schmerzlinderung oder entzündungshemmende Effekte bietet

Hinweis:
Diese Erkenntnisse beruhen überwiegend auf Umfragen und Erfahrungsberichten; kontrollierte klinische Studien fehlen bislang. Die Europäische Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit (EFSA) hat keine gesundheitlichen Aussagen genehmigt—es handelt sich nicht um medizinische Beratung.


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Hintergrund für Fitnessnutzer
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Viele Fitness-Enthusiasten, insbesondere im nicht-westlichen Raum, berichten über die Nutzung von Kratom als koffeinfreie Alternative zur Unterstützung von Energie und Regeneration. Zwar liegt die Evidenz hier vorwiegend auf Erfahrungsberichten, doch zeigt es den wachsenden Trend.


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Traditionelle Zubereitung (kein Konsumratgeber)
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Typischerweise werden etwa 2 g Kratom-Blattpulver in 300 ml Wasser aufgegossen—warm oder kalt. Diese Darreichungsform spiegelt traditionelle Anwendung wider, stellt aber keine Empfehlung dar.


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Rechtlicher und Sicherheitshinweis
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- Keine medizinische Empfehlung.
- Wirkung kann individuell unterschiedlich sein.
- Nur für Erwachsene ab 18 Jahren.
- In der EU ist Kratom rechtlich uneinheitlich: In einigen Staaten nicht als Lebensmittel oder Nahrungsergänzung zugelassen. Sie als Verbraucher sind verpflichtet, Ihre lokalen Gesetze zu beachten.