Kratom and Testing

Does Kratom show up on substance screens?

I was hesitant to create this post, frankly. Kratom is not a ‘drug’, so I do not like measuring kratom in the same way that illegal and oftentimes dangerous drugs are often measured. In fact, the science shows that kratom has tremendous potential to help people.

But reality dictates that the staff at The Kratom Co treats its readers with a measure of respect, and this is a question that comes up, for a number of reasons. Primarily, because some people are under judicial supervision and are uncertain of kratom’s status, and understandably don’t want to raise such a question. Additionally, some people may reside in a state where kratom is illegal. The blog never suggests illegal activity, but perhaps they consumed the kratom in another state; or, perhaps they are applying for a job, and want a clean bill.

The same groups that passed out pamphlets in the 60’s proclaiming that cannabis led to ‘reefer madness’ and induced users to eat babies and preform other atrocities are the ones who would think kratom need be tested for on things like urine tests.

But kratom hasn’t reached such a point – yet.

Kratom and ‘Drug’ Testing

Once again, while I lament using the word ‘drug’ anywhere near kratom due to its gross inaccuracy, I’ve been asked by many if kratom “shows up on drug tests.”

The simple answer is no: kratom rarely shows up on drug tests.

But the more accurate answer would be that kratom is rarely tested for. Kratom can be tested for; it is very expensive relative to a standard 8 panel urine test, and preformed in a different fashion than most tests. Your average testing kit won’t check for kratom. But that does not mean it cannot be detected.

The same logic that leads states to criminalize kratom may also lead to begin testing for kratom. Blood tests seem to be the most common fashion that lead to a positive kratom test; saliva, hair, and urine samples don’t seem to be commonly used. This largely makes sense, as these forms of testing are reserved for substances which are widely recognized as ‘drugs’ and thus need to be checked for commonly by the court system or occupational applications.

Kratom can be detected in a blood test, and it is possible that more advanced urinalysis tests and the like are being designed. But because kratom is not seen as a substance that inebriates individuals, there….really isn’t a reason it would be tested for. In fact, the only commonly cited reason kratom is ever tested for is when a coroner is doing a full blood panel because they don’t know why someone passed away. The answer is obviously never kratom, but it has sometimes been detected (along with massive concentrations of poison of drugs that can cause harm, like heroin.) While kratom has never been listed as a cause of death, its mere presence in these blood tests has led the ever eager FDA to proclaim kratom the next ‘reefer madness’.

What to understand about testing and Kratom

Simply put, those who are concerned that kratom may ‘get them in trouble’ are better off not using any substances, no matter how benign – like kratom. The status of these testing parameters may change rapidly in the coming years, partially due to the FDA’s fascinating with prosecuting the kratom community.

But, at the same time, kratom is rarely tested for, as it really has no commonalities as the substances often found on drug screening tests. While the Kratom Company will always advise caution, some individuals find kratom crucial to their daily health and happiness; in these instances, kratom is likely safe from the prying eyes of a tester.

But, as always, use caution. Speak with whoever may be testing you, and innocently raise the question as to what is getting tested. Or, ask bluntly; kratom is likely legal in your state, and can probably be used without worry.

Peace and Love,

AW