Kratom is a popular plant that has found its way into the cupboards of wellness enthusiasts and individuals seeking natural benefits. While this plant is known for its relieving and mood-enhancing effects, many people looking for employment wonder does kratom show up on a drug test?
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the science of how kratom interacts with your body, examine if it can be detected by standard drug tests, and discuss what you might expect if you’re being tested for kratom.
What Is Kratom and How Does It Affect Your Body?
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna Speciosa, is a tropical tree indigenous to Southeast Asia, particularly in regions like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The leaves of this tree are prized for their active compounds that host a range of effects, including relief and mood enhancement.
The leaves of the kratom tree can be used in several ways. They might be taken whole, brewed into a tea, or processed into other forms like kratom capsules and powders for ease of use.
When taken in small amounts, Kratom may act as a pick-me-up. May boost your day, may enhance alertness, and may increase sociability. Larger quantities may produce calming effects, relief, and peace.
Does Kratom Show Up On A Drug Test?
Standard drug tests, particularly those used for employment screenings, are typically designed to detect specific classes of drugs: opiates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and cocaine.
Given that kratom’s primary alkaloids differ structurally from these substances, regular drug panels do not usually test for kratom but it is always good to do more research on it. Therefore, kratom is unlikely to trigger a positive result for opioids or other drugs in standard screenings.
Does Kratom Show Up on a Urine Drug Test?
Most standard urine tests aren’t used to detect for kratom. These tests are usually searching for opioids, cocaine, cannabis, that kind of stuff. However, a 10-panel drug test can detect kratom, and it may be detected in your urine from 5-7 days after use.
Now, remember, how long kratom stays detectable in your urine can depend on a few factors, such as kratom dosage, how often you take it, and even your body’s genetics – like your metabolism or body mass.
If you take kratom regularly in larger quantities, it might hang around in your system a bit longer. If you’re someone who tried it once at a friend’s recommendation, it’s likely to clear out faster.
Does Kratom Show Up on a Blood Drug Test?
Much like urine tests, blood tests can detect kratom but only if they are specifically looking for it. Kratom isn’t a usual target in standard blood screenings, which typically focus on more common substances.
The good news is that kratom isn’t found in your blood for too long. Typically, it’s only detectable for a couple of days after your last use. This is considered pretty short, especially compared to some other substances.
Does Kratom Show Up on a Hair Drug Test?
Hair drug tests are incredibly thorough, they’re able to detect kratom use for up to 90 days. However, most hair drug tests are not looking for kratom’s unique alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Does Kratom Show Up on a Saliva Drug Test?
Saliva tests are very easy to administer and can provide quick results, but even if you’re a regular kratom enthusiast, chances are it won’t flag up on a saliva drug test. Most saliva tests are designed to catch the usual suspects such as alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and more. Kratom does not usually show up in a saliva drug test.
When might you be tested for kratom?
You’re probably wondering, “When would anyone test for kratom anyway?” It’s a valid question. While kratom isn’t typically on the radar for standard drug tests, there are some scenarios where you might bump into this issue.
If you’re stepping into a job that’s highly safety-sensitive, such as heavy machinery operation or high-stakes medical roles, employers might dig deeper with their drug screenings. Or in certain legal scenarios, particularly where substance use is a direct concern, kratom might come into play.
As kratom becomes more mainstream, awareness among institutions increases. This could mean more kratom-specific testing in scenarios you wouldn’t traditionally expect.
How to prepare for a Kratom Drug Test?
So if you’re a kratom user faced with a drug test, don’t panic. Knowledge of testing procedures and understanding your rights are key. If you know a test is coming up, and there’s even the slightest chance it might screen for kratom, the safest bet is to abstain for a while.
Keep in consideration the detection windows for specific drug tests because kratom can linger in your system longer than you might first anticipate. Especially if you take it frequently or in higher quantities.
Transparency can sometimes work in your favor, too. If kratom is legal where you live and you’re using it for legitimate reasons, disclosing this information upfront can sometimes help.
Staying Informed and Making Smart Choices
While kratom can show up on drug tests, it often depends on the type of test and if it’s designed to detect kratom or not. Many factors can significantly impact how you should approach a drug test, such as the metabolism of kratom and its legal status.
Be aware of your environment, especially its workplace policies or legal requirements in your region. Kratom is about making choices that align with your lifestyle, health, and legal obligations. Keep exploring, stay informed, and choose wisely.