Previously, kratom was legal to buy and sell, but not to use as a drug.
We know that this is a plant that has opioid-like effects, we know that people have died as a result of using kratom and we know that many, not least young people, become dependent when using kratom, says Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) to P3.
The drug's popularity has increased sharply in recent years. In 2019, 3 tons of kratom were seized in Sweden, and in 2023, the same figure was 42 tons.
A major reason is that the leaves can be chewed or used for tea – and then become a very strong drug.
The plant itself is legal, but if you brew tea from it, you're manufacturing narcotics at home, Jenny Åberg, expert and chemist at the Customs Agency, has previously said to TT.
Corrected: In an earlier version, there were incorrect information about the Public Health Agency's actions.
