Kratom originates from a Southeast Asian tree and is closely related to the coffee plant. This herbal remedy has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies and is widely accepted in Asian culture. However, kratom is somewhat new to the Western world, and there is still a lot of speculation surrounding this supplement. Our customers often ask, “Does kratom show up on a drug test?”
The short answer to this question is no and yes. Kratom will not show up unless it is specifically tested for. Standard drug testing will not detect kratom. However, customized drug screens can. This is a complex question that requires more exploration. Keep reading to learn more!
Please note kratom is not used to treat, heal, or mitigate any disease, illness, ailment, or condition. Please see FDA import alert 54-15. We make no representations as to intended use or suitability for use.
KRATOM BACKGROUND
Kratom can be purchased online or through local retailers. It can be bought in various forms, such as powders or capsules. In 2016, the DEA did try to get kratom classed as a Schedule 1 Substance, but after multiple complaints, the DEA chose to withdraw their decision. This allowed kratom to remain legal in the United States. Insufficient clinical trials and scientific studies to help support a case for or against this herbal remedy. In time, more light will be shed on the overall balance that this herb has to offer.
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KRATOM AND DRUG TESTING
Does kratom show up on a drug test? The answer is no and yes. For those who have to worry about standard work-related drug screens, it is doubtful that they will be tested for kratom. However, some drug tests will specifically look for kratom. It will depend on your location and if kratom is heavily frowned upon in your area. Kratom is legal in most areas within the United States, and employers do not worry about testing for it.
Kratom is unique in its overall wellness factors. The type of kratom you use will determine the results you get from your kratom products. However, your overall weight, how much you have eaten, and overall health can affect how long kratom stays in your body and how sensitive you are to specific kratom products.
Kratom is not illegal in most parts of the USA, and it is easily accessible online, in headshops, convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops. You may find it in various forms, including powder, capsules, leaves, extract, resin, vape juice, and gum.
While kratom alkaloids work with opioid receptors in the brain, it is not chemically related to opiate drugs. Because of this, it would not be detectable through an opiate drug test. However, that is not to say that the alkaloids would not be noticeable in body fluids because they are. They are not typically tested for because kratom is not illegal in most areas within the United States.
There are some areas where the state and local governments have banned the use of kratom. These include:
The following states have some restrictions regarding kratom use:
- In California, kratom is legal, except in San Diego County.
- In New York, kratom is legal but with an age restriction.
Standard workplace drug tests would check for cannabinoids, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP. Kratom may not appear on standard drug tests, but some of the alkaloids in kratom may be detected on specific drug tests, including blood or urine tests. Blood tests provide a shorter detection window for a substance so that most places will opt for a urine test. There is a specific drug screen for kratom known as kratom 10-panel. Of course, this screen is specially made to detect kratom.
Different Types of Drug Tests
Standard drug tests will not detect kratom alkaloids. While there are drug tests that can detect kratom alkaloids, they are incredibly uncommon. A test must look for the specific substance or its metabolites to see a particular substance. Remember that each additional substance added to a drug screen makes the test more expensive. Because of this, employers typically stick to standardized testing and will rarely add on other substances to test for.
Federal Workplace Drug Testing Guidelines fall into 5 broad categories:
- Amphetamines
- Methamphetamines
- Marijuana (mainly THC)
- Cocaine
- Opiates
DRUG TESTS
Most businesses will subject their employees to a 5-panel drug screen. Other standard options include 7-panel, 10-panel, and 12-panel. If you are worried about kratom showing up on a routine drug test, it is best to avoid using it. However, kratom will not even be detected on a 12-panel drug screen. More intense drug screens, such as the 20-panel drug test aimed at opioids, will not detect kratom alkaloids.
So, to put your mind at ease, kratom will require specialty labs to do extensive testing, which is not something most employers are willing to pay for. Employers cannot afford to test for kratom. Besides, kratom is a legal substance in most areas, so it should not pose an issue regarding drug testing.
Here is a breakdown of the various drug screens and what they test for:
- 5-Panel Test - THC, PCP, Cocaine, and Amphetamines.
- 6-Panel Test - opiates, methamphetamines, cocaine, and benzodiazepines.
- 7-Panel Test – THC, opiates, PCP, cocaine, amphetamines, and barbiturates.
- 8-Panel Test - cocaine, amphetamines, THC, methamphetamines, opiates, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.
- 9-Panel Test - opiates, PCP, methamphetamines, benzodiazepines, THC, barbiturates, and methadone.
- 10-Panel Test - THC, opiates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene.
- 12-Panel Test - THC, opiates, PCP, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, ecstasy, and Oxycodone. The most comprehensive test, as it can test for extended opiates and the misuse of prescription painkillers
DOES KRATOM SHOW UP ON A 12-PANEL DRUG TEST?
A 12-panel drug screen is designed to identify drug metabolites for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, methadone, methaqualone, phencyclidine (PCP), propoxyphene, opiates, ecstasy, and Oxycodone.
This is a general list of drugs that may be tested for in a 12-panel drug screen. Variations of this test allow it to be customized according to the needs of the testing facility. This is especially important for employers who detect a specific drug being abused.
Drug use is a chronic problem, and this is because many companies have incorporated a drug-free policy. Most employers now require you to take a drug test during the interview process. Then, they have the right to random drug testing.
Kratom is highly unlikely to show up on a 12-panel screen unless it is specifically being tested for. However, remember that some alkaloids could appear, but kratom is legal in most areas. It will only become a problem if you are suspected of abusing kratom and in a place where kratom is banned.
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DOES KRATOM SHOW UP ON A URINE TEST?
If you are worried about an herb or drug showing up on a drug screen, the best practice is not to take those substances, as there is always a chance a trace amount could appear. When a drug screen is conducted, it would need to find a minimum amount of drug residue in the sample for the test to return positive. Just because a screen returns negative does not mean there were no drugs in your body. It simply means the amount of the drug in your body fell below the established cut-off.
However, kratom is not detectable when taking a standard drug test, including the 5-panel drug screen. However, the alkaloid profile in kratom could be identified on specific drug tests that involve urine or blood.
A drug test will specifically test for kratom, which is the 10-panel Kratom drug screen. When taking this test, kratom can be detected up to 7 days after use.
Here is a general guide:
- Urine Drug Test – On average, users will take 5.3 days to flush kratom alkaloids out of their system. This would mean no trace quantities of metabolites would be detectable in the urine for over a week.
However, many variables may influence how long the substance can be detected in a person’s body. These include:
- Percentage of fat and body weight – Kratom will stay in a heavier person's system longer.
- Age—As we age, our metabolism slows down, meaning the substance may remain longer in an older person than in a young person.
- Metabolic rate – This is how fast your body breaks down the substance.
- Other substances – If kratom is combined with other drugs, it could affect the rate at which it is eliminated from the body.
- Health issues – If you have health issues, it could slow down how your body processes kratom.
- Liver function – If you have liver disease, you will metabolize kratom slowly.
There is no evidence showing the long-term effects that kratom could have on the body after long-term use. Therefore, periods of rest are often recommended. With any new supplement, you want to make sure that you consult with your general practitioner before taking it. They know your medical history and can guide you in whether kratom is a good fit for you.
Does Kratom Show Up On A Probation Drug Test?
If you are on probation, you will likely be subject to frequent drug screening. In this case, you may wonder, "Does kratom show on a probation drug test?" Typically, a probation officer would not test for kratom. However, some areas of the country have added kratom to the standard testing regimen. In these areas, there is mention of probationers being sent back to jail for testing positive for kratom.
The terms used for probation include conditions that no psychoactive substances are allowed, not even alcohol, so this would mean kratom could be a violation of your parole. On the other hand, there are loads of probationers who have used kratom without any detection. This is because the parole office never suspected that they were using kratom, and their standardized testing did not detect the use of kratom.
If you walk into a parole office sweating, they will likely test for everything under the sun. If kratom is a worry, the best practice is to avoid it. Especially if you are on parole and there is a chance that it could violate your parole. In addition, if the parole officer knows that you use kratom or have in the past, it will likely be added to your drug screen.
Also, be aware that parole officers can do home visits at random. So, if they find kratom in your home, it may or may not be an issue. This is something that you should discuss with your legal team to be sure that you are not violating your parole.
CONCLUSION
To sum up, it can be if the test specifically screens for kratom. Otherwise, kratom will not be detected on standardized testing. It would be highly uncommon and expensive for an employer to run a drug screen that detects kratom use.
Here at Oasis Kratom, we offer informative and educational blogs. However, our blogs should never be used to treat or diagnose illness. You should always seek advice from a medical professional.
If you are worried about kratom appearing on a drug screen, you should stop using kratom. There is a possibility that the alkaloid profile could show up on specific drug screens. It is always a good idea to give your body a rest from any supplement, as this will help you continue to reap the overall benefits.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us. We offer high-quality kratom products, including powder and capsules. We aim to provide exceptional customer service and the best kratom products. Please stop by our shop and check out the variety of kratom capsules and powders we offer.