Kratom, a psychoactive plant substance, has recently started to circulate in Finland, marking an alarming trend as it becomes more prevalent among users. Commonly consumed in a powdered form that can appear green or reddish-brown, kratom is sought after for its euphoric effects. However, it can also lead to negative side effects, including anxiety, hallucinations, severe headaches, and liver damage, raising concerns among health officials and law enforcement regarding its growing appeal.

According to Hannu Sinkkonen, Chief of Customs Control, the rising popularity of kratom in Finland is likely linked to more individuals encountering the substance during travels in Southeast Asia. The current trend toward natural products further fuels interest in kratom, as it is marketed as a natural product that some people believe is safer or more appealing than synthetic alternatives. Sinkkonen points out that this preference for organic products is increasingly fashionable, contributing to kratom's rise in the Finnish consumer market.

Despite its popularity, kratom remains classified as a banned psychoactive substance in Finland, with its production, importation, storage, sale, and transfer prohibited. However, possession and usage of the substance are not illegal, which creates a significant loophole in law enforcement. This regulatory gap poses challenges for authorities as they work to manage the implications of kratom's increasing presence in Finnish society.