Kratom, a plant-based substance originating from Southeast Asia, has garnered attention for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. People consume it in various forms, including powder, capsules, extracts, and teas. The increasing interest in kratom often leads to questions about its detectability on drug tests.
Kratom and Common Drug Screens
Standard drug tests, such as common 5-panel and 10-panel urine screens, do not detect kratom or its primary active compounds. These routine tests are designed to identify frequently abused illicit substances and prescription medications. A 5-panel test screens for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP).
10-panel tests add substances like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and propoxyphene to the panel. Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are chemically distinct from the compounds these standard tests target. Therefore, kratom goes undetected in common workplace or probation drug screenings.
Targeted Kratom Testing
While standard panels do not screen for kratom, specialized laboratory tests can identify its presence. These targeted tests employ advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). These methods detect mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, kratom’s main alkaloids.
Such specialized screenings are more expensive and are only performed when requested by an employer, law enforcement, or other authority. In urine, kratom can be detectable for several days, up to nine days. Detection windows can extend longer in hair samples, potentially up to 90 days, though hair testing for kratom is less common for routine screening.
Variables Affecting Detection
Several factors influence how long kratom remains detectable in a person’s system. The amount and frequency of kratom use influence detection times; higher doses and chronic use lead to longer detection. An individual’s metabolism also affects elimination rates, as people process substances at different speeds.
Body mass and hydration levels can also impact how quickly kratom metabolites are cleared from the body. Kratom is fat-soluble, thus individuals with higher body fat may retain traces for a longer duration. The specific type or strain of kratom used can also influence detection, as different varieties may contain varying concentrations of alkaloids.
Legal Landscape and Testing Outcomes
The legal status of kratom varies significantly across the United States. Some states, counties, or cities have banned it, while others regulate its sale and use. This varied legal landscape means that even where kratom is not illegal, employers or organizations can still enforce their own policies regarding its use.
A positive result on a specialized kratom drug test can have consequences depending on the testing entity’s policies. These implications can range from employment repercussions to other penalties, regardless of whether kratom is legal in that specific jurisdiction. The context of the drug test and the policies of the requesting body ultimately determine the outcome of a positive kratom detection.