Kratom has become increasingly popular in the United States as a botanical supplement used without FDA approval to self-medicate pain, for energy enhancement, and to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, as its use grows, many people are asking an important question: Does kratom show up on a drug test?
The short answer is that kratom does not typically appear on standard drug tests. However, certain specialized drug tests and advanced laboratory techniques can detect kratom and its metabolites. Whether kratom testing occurs depends on the type of drug test being used, the purpose of the screening, and the organization requesting the test.
This guide explains how kratom detection works, which tests can detect kratom, how long kratom stays detectable in the body, and what legal implications users should understand.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the plant, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, contain active compounds called kratom alkaloids. The two primary alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
These kratom’s active compounds interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing stimulant-like effects at lower doses and opioid like effects at higher doses. Because of these effects, some individuals use kratom products for pain relief, mood enhancement, or to ease opioid withdrawal.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people commonly report using kratom to manage pain, fatigue, and drug withdrawal symptoms, although no FDA-approved medical uses currently exist.[1]
It is important to note that kratom is not a safe substance to use. According to a warning provided by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “FDA has warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder (SUD). In rare cases, deaths have been associated with kratom use, as confirmed by a medical examiner or toxicology reports.”[2]
Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?
The answer depends on the testing method.
Most standard drug panels do not include kratom. Routine drug screenings typically focus on controlled substances such as:
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Amphetamines
- Opiates
- PCP
- Benzodiazepines
Because kratom is not federally classified as one of these substances, standard drug tests generally do not detect kratom.
However, specialized tests can detect kratom when specifically requested. If an employer, court, probation officer, treatment provider, or medical professional orders targeted kratom testing, laboratories can identify kratom metabolites in biological samples.
In other words, while standard drug tests detect kratom infrequently, specialized drug tests are capable of identifying recent kratom use.
Why Some Drug Tests Include Kratom
As kratom use has increased, more organizations have become interested in kratom testing.
Recent research estimates that approximately 1.6 million Americans use kratom annually, while other studies suggest more than 5 million Americans have used it during their lifetime.[3]
Growing usage has led some organizations to expand their screening programs. Employers in safety-sensitive industries, treatment programs, probation tests, court-ordered drug tests, and certain healthcare settings may request expanded or specialized panels that specifically test for kratom.
Examples include:
- Workplace drug tests in transportation or healthcare
- Court-ordered drug tests
- Probation tests
- Military screenings
- Addiction treatment programs
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Medical monitoring programs
These settings may use targeted kratom testing when there are concerns about substance use, safety concerns, or compliance with treatment requirements.
How Do Tests Detect Kratom?
Modern laboratories use advanced laboratory techniques to identify kratom metabolites.
The primary compound laboratories look for is mitragynine. Some tests also detect metabolites created when the body processes kratom’s active compounds.
Reliable methods include:
- Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
These technologies are highly sensitive and can detect kratom metabolites even when concentrations are relatively low.
Unlike routine drug screenings, these specialized tests detect kratom specifically rather than looking for general opioid markers.
Urine Tests and Kratom Detection
Urine tests are the most common method used for kratom testing.
When someone consumes kratom, the body breaks down the alkaloids and eliminates them through urine. Specialized urine tests can detect kratom metabolites for several days after use.
For most users, kratom stays detectable in urine for approximately:
- 1 to 3 days after occasional use
- Up to 7 days or longer after regular use
- Longer in individuals who take higher doses
Factors affecting kratom detection include:
- Frequency of kratom use
- Body weight
- Metabolism
- Hydration levels
- Dosage amount
- Overall health
When people ask how long kratom stays in the system, urine testing is usually the primary concern because it provides the longest detection window among commonly used testing methods.
Blood Tests for Kratom
Blood tests can also detect kratom, although they are used less frequently.
Because blood testing is more invasive and expensive, it is typically reserved for:
- Medical investigations
- Workplace accidents
- Legal cases
- Toxicology reports
Blood tests may identify kratom’s active compounds within hours after use and sometimes up to several days afterward, depending on the amount consumed.
While blood tests offer a shorter detection window than urine tests, they can provide highly accurate drug test results when recent use is suspected.
Saliva Tests and Kratom
Saliva tests are becoming more common for workplace drug tests because they are convenient and difficult to manipulate.
Although saliva tests can detect kratom, they are generally less common than urine testing.
Most saliva tests identify recent exposure rather than long-term use. Detection windows are often limited to a few hours up to several days, depending on the testing technology and frequency of use.
When specialized tests are used, saliva tests detect kratom metabolites with reasonable accuracy.
Hair Tests and Hair Follicle Testing
Hair tests provide the longest detection windows available.
Hair follicle testing can potentially detect kratom use for up to 90 days or longer after consumption.
As hair grows, traces of substances become embedded within the hair shaft. Specialized laboratories can analyze these samples to identify past substance use.
Although hair tests are less common, they may be used in:
- Court-ordered drug tests
- Child custody cases
- Probation tests
- Certain workplace drug tests
Because hair testing is more expensive, employers test for kratom through hair samples only when there is a specific reason to do so.
Can Kratom Cause False Positives?
One concern among users is whether kratom can cause false positives on routine drug screenings.
Current evidence suggests that kratom generally does not trigger false positives for opioids on standard drug panels. However, laboratory errors and cross-reactivity can occasionally occur with any screening test.
If a positive result appears unexpectedly, confirmatory testing using advanced laboratory techniques can usually determine whether the result involves kratom or another substance.
It is important to remember that a positive kratom test is different from testing positive for traditional opioids.
Factors That Affect Detection Windows
Several variables influence how long kratom stays detectable in the body.
Dosage
Higher doses often remain detectable longer than smaller amounts.
Frequency of Use
Regular users typically retain kratom metabolites longer than occasional users.
Body Weight
Body weight can influence how quickly compounds are processed and eliminated.
Metabolism
Individuals with faster metabolic rates often clear substances more quickly.
Product Quality
Contaminated kratom products may contain additional substances that affect drug test results.
Because the kratom market is largely unregulated, some kratom products have been found to contain undisclosed ingredients. This can create complications during drug screenings and increase safety concerns.
Legal Implications of a Positive Kratom Test
Kratom’s legal status varies significantly throughout the United States.
While kratom is legal in many states, some jurisdictions ban kratom entirely or prohibit kratom possession and sale. Other states regulate kratom products through consumer protection laws.
Because laws differ by location, a positive kratom test could carry legal consequences depending on:
- State regulations
- Employer policies
- Court requirements
- Professional licensing rules
Even where kratom’s legal status remains unchanged, employers test based on workplace policies rather than state law. A company may prohibit kratom use regardless of whether it is legal in that state.
Individuals working in safety-sensitive industries should carefully review employer policies before using kratom.
Can Kratom Use Lead to Dependence or Addiction?
Although some people view kratom as a natural alternative to opioids, research shows it can produce physical dependence and kratom addiction in some users.
Because kratom alkaloids interact with opioid receptors, repeated use can lead to kratom dependence.
Common kratom withdrawal symptoms include:
- Muscle aches
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Restlessness
Some individuals experience symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal, although the severity varies.
The FDA has warned about risks associated with substance abuse, substance use disorder, and dependence involving kratom products.
When to Seek Professional Treatment for Kratom Abuse and Addiction
If kratom use becomes difficult to control, professional support may be necessary.
Treatment options for kratom addiction can include:
- Addiction treatment programs
- Outpatient counseling
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Medically supervised detox
- Behavioral therapy
- Professional treatment services
People experiencing severe kratom withdrawal symptoms or significant impairment in daily life should consider professional treatment and medical evaluation.
Find Help for Kratom Addiction at PAX Memphis
So, does kratom show up on a drug test?
In most cases, standard drug tests do not detect kratom because it is not included in routine drug screenings or standard drug panels. However, specialized tests can detect kratom and its metabolites through urine tests, blood tests, saliva tests, and hair tests.
Targeted kratom testing is becoming more common in workplace drug tests, probation tests, court-ordered drug tests, treatment programs, and other settings where substance use monitoring is required.
If you use kratom, it is important to understand that while a standard drug test may not reveal it, expanded or specialized panels can detect kratom metabolites and produce a positive kratom test. Understanding the testing method, detection windows, and legal implications can help you make informed decisions regarding kratom use.
Whether you recently failed a drug test or simply realized you need help for your kratom abuse, PAX Memphis is here to help. Our kratom addiction treatment center can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you overcome kratom misuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can secondhand exposure to kratom cause a positive drug test?
No. There is currently no evidence that being around someone who uses kratom or handling unopened kratom products can result in a positive kratom test. Drug screenings that detect kratom require measurable levels of kratom metabolites in the body, which typically occur only after direct consumption.
2. Does the form of kratom affect drug testing?
The form of kratom—whether it is powder, capsules, extracts, teas, or gummies—generally does not determine whether tests can detect kratom. However, highly concentrated extracts may contain larger amounts of kratom’s active compounds, which could potentially remain detectable longer than standard products.
3. Can you speed up the elimination of kratom alkaloids from your system?
There is no scientifically proven way to rapidly remove kratom metabolites from the body. Hydration, exercise, detox products, and cleansing regimens are often marketed for this purpose, but they do not reliably alter drug test results. The body naturally processes and eliminates kratom over time.
4. Are kratom extracts more likely to be detected than regular kratom?
Potentially. Kratom extracts often contain concentrated levels of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine compared to traditional leaf products. Because of their higher potency, extracts may increase the amount of kratom metabolites present in the body and could affect kratom detection times.
5. Can medical providers test for kratom during a hospital visit?
Yes. While hospitals do not routinely screen for kratom, healthcare providers may order specialized tests if they suspect kratom use is contributing to symptoms, medication interactions, or unexplained health issues. This is most common in emergency medicine and toxicology settings.
6. Does kratom interact with prescription medications?
Kratom may interact with certain prescription medications, including antidepressants, sedatives, stimulants, and opioid-based drugs. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects or complications. Individuals who use prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using kratom products.
References:
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Kratom
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): FDA and Kratom
- The American Journal of Preventive Medicine: Past-Year Kratom Use in the U.S.: Estimates From a Nationally Representative Sample