Does Kratom Show up on a Drug Test?

Kratom has been a literal game changer for many people in the United States and across the globe. However, the psychoactive nature of kratom’s primary constituents — Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — have put health authorities on alert. Join us as we explore the question, “Does kratom show up on a drug test?, including the likelihood of being subjected to a kratom drug test and what it would take to come up with positive kratom drug test results.

Understanding How Drug Tests Work

When you’re being screened for a new job, entering the military, or are involved in sports at a professional level, your employer or organization might require a drug test (with or without kratom) as proof that you aren’t taking anything illegal. These tests look for antibodies to specific chemicals in the primary groups of banned substances:

• Marijuana, THC, and other cannabinoids
• Amphetamines
• Methamphetamines
• Opiates
• Cocaine

For a kratom drug test, the laboratory would have to check for antibodies to specific compounds within the Mitragyna speciosa plant, such as Mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine. If these chemicals are not on the list of substances to be checked, it would be very unlikely that kratom would show up as a false positive for any other listed substance.

The Difference between Opiates and Kratom in a Drug Test

Many people who ask the question, “Does kratom show up on a drug test?” are concerned that kratom might show up as an illegal opiate even though kratom itself is not prohibited in most U.S. states.

While kratom does activate the kappa and mu-opioid receptors in the brain, kratom itself is not a classic opioid like morphine or heroin and doesn’t cause respiratory depression — the main concern with these controlled substances. Also, because a kratom drug test would have to identify kratom-specific molecules in your blood or urine, it shouldn’t set off a false alarm for opiates that have molecules with a totally different structure.

When You Need to Worry about Kratom

The question “Does kratom show up on a drug test?” could have a different answer if one of the following situations applies to you:

Applying for the Military

A specific kratom drug test isn’t likely if you’re applying for a job or signing up for your local football club. However, the U.S. military does test for kratom and might reject your application based on positive kratom drug test results. If you’re applying to enter the U.S. armed forces, you will need to discontinue your kratom use at least 10 days before the test, as it takes approximately nine days to clear from the body.

States in Which Kratom is Illegal

When applying for jobs in states where kratom is illegal (including the locations mentioned on our Shipping and Returns page), it could also be a good idea to discontinue kratom use a few weeks before the test or switch to alternative products. Please note that we do not ship to states where kratom is banned, so you will need to check our list of locations before placing your order.

Tips for Easing Your Kratom Drug Test Worries

Talk to Your Boss about Your Kratom Usage

Depending on the quality of the test, kratom shouldn’t alter the drug test results. However, false positives on a drug test are possible even if you haven’t taken anything on the list. When undergoing a drug test for work, it can be a good precaution to mention that you use kratom in case a false positive arouses suspicion. In the case of a false positive for a listed substance, you can also request a GC-MS or LC-MS test to rule out the false positive. This is especially important if your profession or civil freedoms are at stake.

Some kratom users have found that their bosses already know about kratom or might end up discovering its benefits for themselves. In states where this substance is allowed (or at least not illegal), you can’t lose your job for sharing that you use kratom before your drug test.

Ensure That Your Kratom is 100% Pure

The second caveat you need to be aware of — and in our mind, the most important — is to ensure your kratom is 100% pure. While pure kratom shouldn’t show up on a drug test, adulterated kratom most certainly will. Kratom sold in smoke shops and head shops is frequently laced with banned opiates — including fentanyl — to intensify the herb’s effects and encourage shoppers to come back for more. The dark side of adulterated kratom is not only that it will set off a drug test but that it could also have potentially deadly consequences.

To make sure you’re getting only pure kratom, it’s essential to purchase your Mitragyna speciosa from a vendor who subjects every batch to third-party testing and provides a Certificate of Authenticity that lists the following details:

• Aerobic plate count, yeast, and mold
• Coliforms, E. Coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus
• Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury
• Alkaloid analysis

To ensure your safety and peace of mind, Kratora’s kratom, alternative products, and CBD products have all been tested by a third-party lab.