Kratom Vs Drug Test: What to Know Before You GoBeginner Recipes for Your Kratom Powder

Do you take Kratom? Have an upcoming drug test and concerns about Kratom showing up or triggering a false positive?

Here’s what you need to know.

Kratom, coming from a tree grown primarily in Southeast Asia, is a distant relative of the coffee plant. Indigenous people of Southeast Asia have long used kratom for its purported mood-lifting, energizing, relaxing, and sedating effects, as well as for pain relief and other medicinal purposes.

Although more research is needed, kratom has quickly caught fire in the Western hemisphere and around the world, with millions of individuals turning to this botanical for overall health, well-being and improved quality of life.

Yet, many of us are subject to random drug testing, be it for our employer, when applying to jobs, or even by way of court-mandated order. 

In many circles, and even in scientific literature, kratom has been compared to opioids for its biochemical interactions with opioid receptors in the human body.  Also, check out our guide to Bali Kratom and learn more about it.

Which raises the question…will kratom show up on a drug test?

What Does the DEA Have to Say About Kratom?

Here’s the good news. Currently, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) does not consider Kratom to be a ‘controlled substance’. Meaning it is legal to purchase, ship, deliver, manufacture, and sell at your leisure. 

However, the laws of your particular jurisdiction may be different and laws are always subject to change. For example, in 2016 the DEA fought hard to make kratom a Schedule 1 controlled substance, a move which would have made it illegal for US residents. However, after much backlash from the public, this effort was thwarted.

Do Drug Tests Detect Kratom?

Although not very common, there are personal drug tests which can be purchased to identify kratom or the presence of its alkaloids. These tests typically aim to detect mitragynine or 7 hydroxymitragynine, the primary alkaloids in kratom that purportedly do what they do. In most real world scenarios where you are being drug tested by an employer or the courts, the drug tests will not be looking for these alkaloids primarily because they are not illicit substances.

Can Kratom Make Me Fail a Drug Test?

The vast majority of drug tests will be unable to detect kratom, with common drug screening panels designed to flag the major offenders such as methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine and marijuana. If you have recently taken kratom or would like to take kratom before a drug test, it would be wise to determine what substances are being tested for. It is extremely rare for an employer to test for kratom’s alkaloids. If you are in a court mandated drug testing program, while it is still unlikely, the chances of that program testing for kratom’s alkaloids is higher than a drug test from an employer.

Urinalysis 

Urinalysis is one of the most common types of drug tests on the market. It is fast, safe, affordable and effective. When it comes to kratom, as mentioned, typical drug panels don’t screen for kratom specifically. In cases where a drug test has been ordered to include kratom or its alkaloids, if you have recently taken kratom in the past week, it is likely the test result will return as positive.

The Caveat: A 10-Panel Drug Test

The majority of drug tests are what are known as 5-panel tests, looking for the most common offenders. However, a 10-panel drug test may detect the use of kratom for up to 7-days after last use. 

Factors Affecting How Long Kratom May Stay in Your System:

  • Body fat percentage
  • Age
  • Metabolic rate
  • The dose and frequency of kratom use
  • Combining other substances with kratom
  • General health
  • Underlying medical conditions
  • Liver function

Is Taking Kratom Prior to a Drug Test Safe?

Generally, yes. Kratom is not a scheduled (illegal) drug, nor is it similar enough in chemical composition to flag a false positive on a drug test. However, 10-panel tests, as mentioned, may reveal the presence of kratom to the testing party. Depending on your reasoning for taking the test, this may or may not be of concern to you.

Steps you Can Take to Ensure a Clean Drug Test

Take a Break

Given Kratom’s half-life and detectable period in your system, it is always advisable to take a 7-day or greater break from kratom prior to any drug test. 

Don’t Mix Supplements or Drugs

It is impossible to know the various interactions other supplements or drugs (legal or illegal) may have when combined with kratom. For this, and for safety reasons, it is never advisable to mix supplements or medications with kratom. 

Help Your Body Detox

Maintaining good health is key to empowering your own body’s natural detoxification processes. Eat a healthy diet, exercise daily, stay hydrated with plenty of water, and get a good night’s sleep.

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Final Thoughts On Kratom vs Drug Tests

Whether for work or court, drug tests can make anyone feel nervous. Although kratom generally won’t cause you any problems, following the tips in this guide can provide you with peace of mind when it comes to acing your next drug test.