Does Kratom Show Up On A Drugs Test?

As the modern drugs test has improved, so too has the list of accessible recreational drugs widened. Generally, these substances have existed for often hundreds of years in their country of origin. Kratom was alleged to have started as a mild stimulant among Thai farmers and labourers, who used the mental propulsion of the drug to find enjoyment in a life, otherwise hard and relentless.

Kratom is generally sold as a loose-leaf tea, a powder or in capsules. It is taken orally and has a mild psychoactive effect (it can either energise or relax, depending on the dosage and individual). A low dosage will energise and concentrate the mind, often being used to improve concentration and help promote a positive mindset.

A high dosage will induce a deep feeling of relaxation and tranquillity. Dosages are determined by the strain, as strain strengths vary greatly.

SO DOES IT SHOW UP ON A DRUGS TEST?

In short, no. Pure Kratom will not show up on a standards drugs test. A NIDA5 (the test most commonly used) and even the extended 10-panel urine test will both show negative if Kratom is all you have used.

WHY DOESN'T IT SHOW UP?

The plant, Mmitragyna speciosa, does not have the same chemical makeup as any of the illegal narcotics that drug tests were created to find.

IS THERE EVEN A CHANCE IT WILL SHOW UP ON A DRUGS TEST?

No. The only thing that would conclusively reveal Kratom use is a test tailored to specifically finding mitragynine residue and its metabolite in urine and you are incredibly unlikely to encounter such a test.

WHAT ABOUT A FALSE POSITIVE?

Again, no. It is not possible for mitragynine and the other alkaloids found in Kratom to result in a false positive. A false positive is far more likely to be produced by a medication or supplement taken prior to the test, which is why it is very important to tell the person conducting the test of any medication or supplements you are currently taking. Ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine are well known examples of medications that may effect the outcome of the test. Even eating a bagel that has poppy seeds on it has been documented to give someone a result positive for opiates.

While this shows the sensitivity of such tests, as long as Kratom is exclusively the drug you have consumed a false positive is incredibly unlikely. A second test would conclusively prove no drugs were taken.

So next time you're feeling restrained by the restrictive hands of the monthly drug test, instead of fantasising about something you can't have, think about kicking back with a warm cup of Kratom tea. The high will be tranquil, relaxing and best of all, untraceable.

Adam Parsons

Professional cannabis journalist, copywriter, and author Adam Parsons is a long-time staff member of Zamnesia. Tasked with covering a wide range of topics from CBD to psychedelics and everything in between, Adam creates blog posts, guides, and explores an ever-growing range of products.

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