Does kratom show up on a drugs test?

Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, is often used for its stimulating and relaxing properties. However, its legal status and potential for dependency have raised concerns about whether it can be detected in drug tests.

If you're a kratom user and are subject to drug testing, you may wonder whether it will appear on a test and how long it remains in your system. This article will explore how long kratom stays in the body, whether it is detected by drug tests, and the factors influencing its detectability.

How long does kratom stay in the body?

The length of time kratom remains detectable in the body varies depending on several factors, including metabolism, dosage, and frequency of use. Perhaps more important, though, is the fact that kratom remains detectable in different parts of the body for different lengths of time. Understanding this will help you determine whether a certain type of test may or may not reveal kratom use.

But before we explore this, let’s take a quick overview of how kratom is processed by the body in general. Kratom's primary active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are metabolised by the liver and excreted primarily through urine. The half-life of mitragynine is estimated to be about 24 hours, meaning it takes roughly a full day for the body to eliminate half of the substance. 24 hours later, the remaining mitragynine in the body will be halved again, and so on.

Traces of kratom can be detected in different biological samples for some time after consumption. The good news, however, is that very few tests will be able to detect this residual kratom.

Kratom Ready-to-Drink Shot 80mg (Zamnesia)

(2)

(2)

Kratom Ready-to-Drink Shot 80mg (Zamnesia)

View

Hair

Hair follicle tests can detect drug use over an extended period, sometimes up to 90 days after consumption. In fact, this is where traces of drugs linger the longest. However, when it comes to kratom, very few hair testing panels actually test for kratom metabolites, meaning the risk of detection via this method is minimal. Even if kratom were included in a hair test, detection would only be possible if the individual had used it frequently over an extended period. Since hair testing is often reserved for detecting chronic drug use rather than one-time or occasional consumption, it is unlikely to be a concern for kratom users.

Blood

Kratom is only detectable in the blood for a short period of time — a few hours to a day. Blood tests are an unusual method for drug testing, mainly because they only detect substances within a short time window. They are usually reserved for medical or legal settings where recent impairment needs to be assessed. Since mitragynine is rapidly metabolised and eliminated from the bloodstream, it is unlikely to show up unless the test is conducted very soon after consumption.

Saliva

Much like with blood, kratom metabolites are only detectable in saliva for a short period, typically between a few hours to a day. Saliva tests are rarely used in drug screening, especially for kratom, as they are more commonly used to detect recent consumption. In most standard drug testing procedures, saliva analysis is not included unless specifically requested, making it an unlikely method for detecting kratom use.

Urine

Urine tests present the biggest risk when it comes to drug detection, whether it’s kratom or any other substance. Drug metabolites tend to be detectable in urine for up to a week after use, making urine tests one of the most commonly used methods for drug screening. Unlike blood or saliva tests, which have shorter detection windows, urine analysis can provide evidence of past drug use, making it the preferred method for workplace drug testing and law enforcement screenings.

The good news is that common urine tests do not typically detect kratom. However, some specialised tests can be designed to identify kratom metabolites. While these are not standard practice, they may be used in specific circumstances, such as legal cases or situations where kratom use is being monitored. Because of this, while kratom is unlikely to show up on a routine urine test, those undergoing extensive drug screenings should be aware of the possibility.

Kratom Capsules - 85 mg Extract (Zamnesia)

(10)

(10)

Kratom Capsules - 85 mg Extract (Zamnesia)

View

Will kratom show up on a drug test?

Most standard drug tests, such as those used by employers or law enforcement agencies, do not typically test for kratom However, there are exceptions where kratom use might be detected.

Standard drug tests

The most common drug screening methods, such as SAMHSA-5 or SAMHSA-10 panel tests, do not test for kratom. These tests primarily detect substances such as cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP. Unless specifically requested, standard drug tests are unlikely to identify kratom use.

Specialised drug tests

Some laboratories offer kratom-specific tests that can detect mitragynine and its metabolites. These tests may be used by workplaces, medical professionals, or legal entities where kratom consumption is a concern. Detection through these tests varies, but urine analysis remains the most reliable method.

Opioid tests

While kratom has opioid-like effects, it does not contain traditional opioids like morphine or heroin. Therefore, kratom does not usually trigger a false positive on standard opioid drug tests. However, at high doses, mitragynine may interact with opioid receptors, potentially leading to ambiguous results in certain advanced tests.

Factors that influence kratom detection

Several factors impact how long kratom remains detectable in the body and whether it appears on a drug test:

• Dosage and frequency: Higher doses and long-term use result in kratom staying in the system longer.
• Metabolism: Individuals with a faster metabolism will eliminate kratom more quickly.
• Age and body composition: Older individuals and those with higher body fat percentages may retain kratom longer due to slower metabolic rates.
• Hydration and diet: Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can help speed up the elimination process.
• Liver function: Since kratom is metabolised in the liver, individuals with liver issues may take longer to process it.

Kratom Powder - Maeng Da Green (Zamnesia)

(176)

(176)

Kratom Powder - Maeng Da Green (Zamnesia)

View

Kratom’s role in drug testing

While kratom is not commonly tested for in routine drug screenings, it can still be detected through specialised tests. Its presence in the system depends on various factors, including the type of test administered, dosage, and personal metabolism. If you are concerned about kratom detection, it is best to check with the testing authority to understand what substances are being screened.

For those interested in kratom products or drug testing kits, you can explore a range of options at the Zamnesia store.

Max Sargent

Max has been writing for over a decade, and has come into cannabis and psychedelic journalism in the last few years. Writing for companies such as Zamnesia, Royal Queen Seeds, Cannaconnection, Gorilla Seeds, MushMagic and more, he has experience in a broad spectrum of the industry.

Read full bio