Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves have been traditionally used for their stimulant and opioid-like properties. The plant contains active compounds, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with receptors in the body.
Common Drug Screens and Kratom
Standard drug tests, such as 5-panel or 10-panel screens, are routinely used by employers and other organizations. These routine drug tests are generally not designed to detect kratom or its primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
This is because standard panels lack the specialized reagents or analytical techniques necessary to identify kratom’s unique chemical compounds. As kratom is not classified as a controlled substance at the federal level in the U.S., it is not routinely included in these basic drug screens. Individuals using kratom are therefore unlikely to be detected by standard drug test panels.
Specialized Kratom Testing
While standard drug tests do not typically detect kratom, specialized laboratory tests can identify its presence. These advanced analytical techniques, such as Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), are specifically designed to look for kratom alkaloids. These methods offer high sensitivity and specificity through precise separation and identification of chemical compounds.
Specialized kratom tests are more expensive and less common than routine drug screens. They are typically employed in specific scenarios, such as forensic investigations, clinical toxicology, or certain workplace screenings if explicitly requested. Some laboratories offer specific panels that include mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Detection Windows and Influencing Factors
The timeframe during which kratom can be detected in the body varies significantly, even with specialized testing.
- In urine, kratom metabolites can typically be detected for a few days, potentially up to a week, or even up to nine days for chronic users.
- Blood tests have a shorter detection window, usually ranging from a few hours to a couple of days.
- Hair follicle tests offer the longest detection window, potentially identifying kratom use for up to 90 days, though this method is less common for kratom.
- Saliva tests may detect recent use, but specific kratom saliva tests are not widely available.
Several factors influence how long kratom remains detectable in an individual’s system:
- An individual’s metabolic rate plays a role, with faster metabolisms leading to quicker elimination.
- The dosage and frequency of kratom consumed also impact detectability; higher doses and chronic use generally result in longer detection windows due to a buildup of metabolites.
- Hydration levels can influence excretion, as increased water intake may lead to faster elimination.
- Body fat percentage can also be a factor, as mitragynine is fat-soluble and may linger longer in individuals with higher body fat.
- Other considerations include liver and kidney function, age, and overall health.
Kratom’s Legal Status and Drug Testing Implications
Kratom’s legal status in the United States is complex and varies significantly by jurisdiction. While it is federally legal and not on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) list of controlled substances, some states, counties, and cities have enacted bans or regulations. This patchwork of laws directly influences whether entities might include kratom in their drug testing protocols.
If kratom is illegal in a specific area or if an employer’s policy prohibits its use, specialized testing for kratom becomes more likely. Employers, especially those in positions requiring high safety standards or in regions with legal restrictions on kratom, may choose to implement such tests. Even where kratom is legal, an employer retains the right to prohibit its use and conduct tests for it, potentially leading to consequences like disciplinary action or termination if detected.