ETHA Co-Founder Speaks at International Kratom Symposium 2025
This June 2025, the historic Lichtenstein Palace in Prague (the Czechs still use amazing palaces for government work!) was host to the International Kratom Symposium 2025, a gathering of policymakers, scientists, advocates, and vendors all united by one powerful plant: kratom.
What is the International Kratom Symposium
The International Kratom Symposium serves as the leading global platform for experts to explore the complexities surrounding kratom, a tropical plant renowned for its benefits yet heavily debated for its potential risks. Held annually, it gathers scientists, policymakers, health professionals, and advocates to discuss the plant’s applications, safety concerns, and potential regulations. Through transparent and evidence-based discussions, the symposium plays a significant role in shaping kratom’s future.
ETHA's very own co-founder and head of R&D Alexander Karp was not only in attendance, but took the stage to speak about USA's effective and proper regulation of kratom as well as ethical business practices in the industry and as a whole. His presentation tackled the evolving landscape of U.S. kratom policy, the dangers of outright prohibitions/bans, and the critical role of responsible industry leadership.
The symposium was spearheaded by the Institute for Rational Addiction Policies (IRAP), helmed by Jindřich Vobořil, former National Drugs Coordinator to the Czech Prime Minister. IRAP champions science-based, harm-reduction approaches to policy because let’s be real... flat prohibitions and bans just don’t work.
Their big push? Pass legislation on psychomodulatory substances that emphasizes safe access over criminalization. Kratom, viewed less as a recreational substance and more as a therapeutic tool, is front and center in these efforts.
But these things are always easier said than actually achieved.
Industry Integrity vs. Profits
While IRAP’s initiative is commendable, it’s not without controversy. The proposed legislation is largely backed by a major kratom vendor known for cut-rate pricing and questionable quality control a move that’s raised eyebrows among smaller, more ethical operators. These are vendors who’ve done the right thing by investing in GMP-compliant facilities, rigorous testing, and transparent sourcing. They’ve got higher costs, yes but also higher standards.
And yet, ironically, they’re being sidelined in the conversation. The Czech Kratom Association, which was instrumental in preventing a kratom ban last year, hasn’t gotten the credit it deserves.
What does the Science Say?
Dr. Martin Kuchar from the Forensics Laboratory for Biologically Active Substances offered a fascinating update from the research front. His lab, now ISO-approved for kratom testing (as of June 8, 2025), is investigating kratom’s neurological effects. Early findings suggest low doses may increase neuroplasticity by boosting BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). However, higher doses might reduce BDNF—so balance is key.
The Czech Regulation Blueprint
As part of their proposed legislation, Czech authorities have drafted kratom regulations that aim to standardize packaging and active compound limits:
For Kratom Leaf Products:
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Max package size: 50g
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Max Mitragynine: 1250mg (2.5%)
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Max 7-OH-Mitragynine: 50mg (0.1%)
For Kratom Extracts:
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Max package size: 10g or 10mL
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Max Mitragynine: 1250mg (12.5%)
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Max 7-OH-Mitragynine: 50mg (0.5%)
The ETHA Message: Science, Safety, and Standards
Alexander Karp’s keynote made it clear: the U.S. is at a crossroads. We can either embrace evidence-based regulation, which ensures quality and protects consumers or fall into the trap of overreach and prohibition. ETHA stands firmly for the former, promoting ethical practices that put people before profits.
Because at the end of the day, kratom isn’t just a commodity. It’s a lifeline for many—and it deserves to be treated with the respect, research, and regulation it merits. For us at ETHA and for many of our customer family kratom allows us to get our life back and to LIVE FULLY and Thrive.
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