Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, has been gaining traction worldwide, touted for its potential benefits such as pain relief and mood enhancement. Enthusiasts praise its natural origins and diverse applications, leading to a surge in its popularity. However, with this rise comes the question: does kratom make you fail a drug test?
The intrigue surrounding this aspect reveals the underlying concerns of its users and the need for clarity on how kratom interacts with standard drug testing protocols.
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of this tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cultural practices.
People in these regions traditionally chewed kratom leaves to combat fatigue, increase productivity, and alleviate pain. The leaves can also be brewed into a tea or ground into a powder for consumption.
Kratom is known for its stimulant and sedative properties, which vary depending on the strain and dosage.
In modern times, kratom is used for various purposes, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and opioid withdrawal support. However, it’s important to note that kratom does not typically show up on standard drug tests. Most routine drug screenings, such as the 5-panel test, are not designed to detect kratom alkaloids.
However, specialized tests using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry can identify kratom if specifically tested for.
Does kratom make you fail a drug test? Generally, no, but it’s crucial to be aware of the type of test being administered. If you’re concerned about kratom showing up on a drug test, it’s best to avoid using it for at least a week or two before the test.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, affects the body by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain. The primary active compounds in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds produce effects ranging from pain relief and sedation to increased energy and euphoria.
Kratom’s effects on the body include nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, tachycardia, vomiting, drowsiness, and loss of appetite.
Users have also reported anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, hepatotoxicity, seizures, and hallucinations.
Regarding drug tests, kratom alkaloids are not typically detected in standard 5-panel drug screenings because they are structurally different from opiates. However, specialized tests can detect kratom’s main active ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Therefore, while kratom is unlikely to cause a false positive in routine drug tests, it can be identified with specific testing methods.
Common drug testing methods include urine, blood, hair, saliva, and sweat tests. These tests screen for substances like amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol.
Kratom is not typically included in standard drug tests, but it can be detected in specific tests designed to look for it. So, while kratom might not cause a positive result on a standard drug test, it could if the test specifically includes it.
Kratom has been reported to cause positive drug test results in some cases. For example, a case study published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy detailed how kratom use led to a positive result for opioids in a drug test. The individual in the study had been using kratom to manage chronic pain and subsequently tested positive for opioids during a routine drug screening.
Another case involved a patient who used kratom to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms.
This patient also tested positive for opioids in a drug test, as kratom contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which can trigger opioid drug tests.
However, not all kratom users fail drug tests. Some individuals who use kratom in small amounts or infrequently may not test positive, as the levels of active alkaloids might be below the detection threshold of standard drug tests.
It’s important to note that kratom’s effects and detection in drug tests can vary based on factors such as the individual’s metabolism, the specific kratom strain used, and the sensitivity of the drug test employed.
Kratom’s legal status varies significantly across different regions. In the United States, kratom is legal in most states, but it is banned in six states: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Internationally, kratom is banned in countries like Japan, Russia, and Turkey, while it remains unregulated in many parts of Europe and North America.
Regarding drug testing policies, kratom typically does not cause a positive result on standard drug tests.
However, specialized tests can detect kratom alkaloids. The legal status of kratom influences whether it is included in drug screenings, with most companies and government agencies not testing for it due to its legal status.
Does kratom make you fail a drug test? Generally, no, but it depends on the type of test and the specific policies of the testing entity.
If kratom’s legal status changes, it might become more commonly tested for.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, is not typically detected in standard 5-panel drug screenings due to its structural differences from opiates.
However, specialized tests can detect kratom’s main active ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. The likelihood of failing a drug test depends on the type of test and the specific policies of the testing entity.
Most routine drug tests are not designed to detect kratom alkaloids, but advanced techniques like mass spectrometry can identify it if specifically tested for.
If you’re concerned about kratom showing up on a drug test, it’s best to avoid using it for at least a week or two before the test.
Kratom’s legal status varies across regions, and its inclusion in drug screenings is influenced by local laws and regulations.
In general, kratom does not cause a positive result on standard drug tests, but specialized tests can detect it.