Drug testing serves as a critical tool in various settings—workplaces, sports, medical fields—to maintain safety, ensure compliance, and monitor health. The accuracy and scope of these tests are essential as they influence major decisions in employment, healthcare, and legal matters. The emergence of new substances presents an ongoing challenge for drug testing protocols.
With kratom—a substance derived from Mitragyna speciosa tree leaves gaining popularity for its stimulant and opioid-like effects—there’s a pressing question: does it show up in drug tests?
Urine Drug Testing (UDT): This is the most common type of drug test. It involves analyzing a urine sample to detect the presence of drugs. Kratom does not show up in standard urine drug tests.
Blood Drug Testing: This type of test involves drawing blood to detect drugs.
It is usually used in medical emergencies. Kratom is not typically detected in standard blood drug tests.
Hair Follicle Drug Testing: This test uses a hair sample to detect drug use over a longer period. Kratom can be detected in hair follicle tests if specifically tested for.
Saliva Drug Testing: This involves analyzing a saliva sample to detect recent drug use.
Kratom is not usually detected in standard saliva drug tests.
Sweat Drug Testing: This test uses a patch worn on the skin to collect sweat over a period of time. Kratom is not typically detected in standard sweat drug tests.
Breath Drug Testing: Primarily used to detect recent alcohol consumption. Kratom is not detected in breath tests.
Urine Tests: Kratom alkaloids are not structurally similar to opiates, so they are not detected in standard 5-panel or 10-panel urine tests.
Blood Tests: Standard blood tests do not detect kratom.
Hair Tests: Kratom can be detected if the test is specifically designed to look for it.
Saliva Tests: Kratom is not usually detected in standard saliva tests.
Sweat Tests: Kratom is not typically detected in standard sweat tests.
Breath Tests: Kratom is not detected in breath tests.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, undergoes metabolism primarily in the liver. The active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are metabolized by liver enzymes into various metabolites. These metabolites are then excreted through the kidneys and eliminated from the body in urine.
Regarding drug tests, kratom does not typically show up on standard drug tests, which screen for substances like THC, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines.
However, specialized tests designed to detect kratom alkaloids, such as mitragynine, can identify its presence. Standard 5-panel drug tests do not detect kratom alkaloids due to their structural differences from common drugs of abuse.
Does kratom show up in drug tests? Yes, kratom can be detected in various drug tests, but the detection windows vary depending on the type of test:
Urine tests: Kratom is generally detectable for up to 48 hours after consumption.
Blood tests: Kratom can be detected from 24 hours up to approximately 7 days after use.
Hair follicle tests: Kratom can be detected for up to 90 days.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, is not typically included in standard drug tests. Standard drug tests screen for substances like THC, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines, but not kratom. However, specialized tests can detect kratom alkaloids, such as mitragynine, if specifically designed to do so.
Legally, kratom’s status varies by jurisdiction.
In the United States, it is legal at the federal level but banned in some states like Alabama, Arkansas, and Wisconsin. Other states have regulations to ensure its safe use. Internationally, kratom’s legality also varies, with some countries banning it and others allowing its use.
Employment implications of kratom use are complex.
While kratom is not typically detected in standard workplace drug tests, employers may still have policies regarding its use. Employees using kratom might face disciplinary actions if their use affects job performance or violates company policies. Employers need to balance legal compliance with employee well-being when developing policies on kratom use.
Does kratom show up in drug tests?
Kratom, derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree leaves, is not typically detected in standard drug tests due to its structural differences from common drugs of abuse. However, specialized tests designed to detect kratom alkaloids can identify its presence.
The detection windows for kratom vary depending on the type of test:
Kratom’s legality varies by jurisdiction, with some countries banning it and others allowing its use. In employment settings, kratom use may not be detected in standard workplace drug tests, but employers may still have policies regarding its use.
Ultimately, the answer to whether kratom shows up in drug tests is yes, but only if specifically tested for or using specialized tests.