One of the common questions people ask about kratom is whether or not it shows up on a drug test. Drug testing is often conducted by law enforcement for suspected DUIs or parole conditions, but it’s also commonly done by employers as part of a new-hire background check. If you’re looking for a new job, you may be wondering, does kratom show up on a drug test?
As a reminder, kratom is not an illegal drug on the federal level. Currently, the United States federal government leaves it up to the states and local municipalities to regulate the sale, use, and possession of kratom. In the majority of states, kratom is legal. (Click here to learn about kratom laws where you live.)
However, even if a substance is legal, employers may have the right to rescind job offers or terminate employees if using that substance violates the terms of employment. For example, some jobs may still test for cannabis even in states where its recreational use has been legalized. Other jobs may even test for alcohol if an employee is suspected of intoxication at work.
In most cases, kratom will not be detected on a standard drug test. But if you’re concerned, it’s important to understand different types of drug tests and the detection window for kratom. So, in today’s article, we’re answering the question you want to know: does kratom show up on a drug test?
The Chemistry of Kratom
It all starts with chemistry. Different drug tests may work differently, but they all detect the presence of unique chemical substances in someone’s urine, blood, saliva, hair, or other cells provided for sampling. Passing a drug test means that these chemical substances are not detected.
People who enjoy kratom know first-hand how it delivers a feeling of well-being along with other benefits. This occurs because kratom contains natural chemical compounds called alkaloids. There are over 30 alkaloids in kratom, but the two that are responsible for kratom’s effects are called Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. When consumed, these two alkaloids activate the opioid receptors in the brain and release pleasant sensations.
Although kratom works because of our opioid receptors, these alkaloids are chemically different from illegal opiates and pharmaceuticals like oxycodone and fentanyl. As a result, a standard drug test will not detect the presence of kratom in someone’s system.
Types of Drug Tests
Answering the question, “Does kratom show up on a drug test?” requires acknowledging that certain specialized tests may screen for kratom alkaloids.
As mentioned previously, there are different types of drug tests. Most employers use a standard 5-panel or 10-panel drug test. These processes may involve urine testing, saliva tests, or blood tests. The subject will submit a sample, which is then analyzed for traces of the following substances:
- Cannabis/THC
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Psychedelics
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Amphetamines & methamphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Other commonly abused drugs
Kratom and its alkaloids do not fall into any of these drug categories. Although kratom is gaining popularity in the United States, its use is still relatively niche. Additionally, many labs that process drug tests don’t screen for kratom because it is not a federally controlled substance.
However, specialized drug tests can be designed to detect kratom alkaloids.
Drug Tests that Detect Kratom
If a drug test is designed to screen for kratom, it will detect the presence of its primary alkaloids, Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine. (Note: Because all strains of kratom contain these two alkaloids, no specific strain is more likely to show up on a specialized drug test.)
A specialized kratom drug test will most likely use a urine sample or blood sample. The sample will be sent to a lab, where it will be processed and analyzed using one of two techniques:
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Also known as GC-MS testing, this analysis method superheats liquid samples until they are converted into a gaseous form. The gas vapor then separates into its component parts, which can be examined for specific molecular structures. To test for kratom, the vapor would be checked for the molecular structure of Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitraginine.
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
This technique, often abbreviated to LC-MS/MS, is similar. However, in LC-MS/MS testing, the sample is preserved in its original liquid mass state. Instead of being vaporized, the liquid samples are ionized and filtered through a high-vacuum mass spectrometer. This method is more complex than GC-MS but also more sensitive. It may be able to detect smaller traces of kratom alkaloids than GC-MS testing.
How Long Does Kratom Stay in the Body?
When discussing the question, “Does kratom show up on a drug test?” it’s common to wonder how long it remains detectable. In general, the detection window for kratom is 5-7 days after it has been ingested. But this detection window may be affected by the following factors:
- How much kratom is consumed
- How frequently you consume it
- Individual metabolism
- Liver and kidney health
- Overall health
Additionally, a user’s body fat percentage may impact how long the kratom alkaloids remain in their system. Kratom alkaloids are fat-soluble, which means they’re stored in fat — so the more body fat a person has, the longer the alkaloids will be stored.
Use Kratom Responsibly
Kratom is 100% natural and offers a wide range of benefits. However, it should always be used responsibly. While kratom may not be detectable on a standard drug test, if you are worried about testing, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
As always, it’s also important to purchase your kratom from a reputable vendor so you know it’s pure and uncontaminated. At Joe’s Botanicals, our kratom is never diluted with other substances, fillers, or preservatives. We also have our kratom tested by an independent third-party lab to verify its purity. Shop now and experience the difference that high-quality kratom can make!
