Kratom and Drug Tests: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that almost 15 million US people use Kratom on a regular basis? This plant can alleviate chronic pain, eliminate stress, and improve the quality of your sleep. Kratom can have relaxing effects in small quantities and sedating effects if you take a higher dose.

That’s why many people are worried about the relationship between kratom and drug tests. Does this substance show up in a kratom drug test? Can you get fired from your job for consuming kratom? Keep reading this article to find out the answers to these questions.

What Is Kratom and Why Can It Get You Into Trouble?

Kratom is a popular natural drug that originates from Thailand and Indonesia. This substance has been used for centuries in Asia and it has significant medicinal properties. It also contains alkaloids that render this plant a psychoactive drug.

Many people use kratom to get rid of stress, relax, and eliminate chronic pains. It can be consumed in the forms of tea, pills, or powder. However, in large quantities, it can become dangerous to some people and the ones surrounding them.

Abusing kratom can get you into trouble because it has similar effects to chemical opiates. You might not be able to drive, be productive at work, or think logically. That’s why there is a general concern among Kratom users that this drug can show up in a test.

A Brief Intro on Workplace Drug Tests

As you know already, many workplaces require periodic testing and screening for various employees. This is especially important for personnel that drive company cars or operate heavy machinery.

If an employee is intoxicated with various substances, he or she can put everyone around in danger. Routine drug tests are performed to discourage the consumption of psychoactive substances while working.

For example, some of the most common substances that a drug test looks for include ethanol (alcohol), marijuana (particularly with THC content), cocaine, opiates, and more. The tests are performed using blood and urine samples from individuals.

If a test is positive, further investigations might be required to detect the quantity of the illegal substance in the individual’s bloodstream. In any case, a fine might follow or the employee might be fired immediately if the circumstances demand it.

Kratom Usually Doesn’t Show up in Drug Tests

As mentioned earlier, a common workplace drug test looks specifically for certain substances. Most of these drug tests are not designed to discover the alkaloids found in kratom. That’s why your test might not return a positive result, even if you consumed kratom a day before the test.

Kratom’s popularity has increased in recent years, but it’s not a cause of concern for most people. That’s why most drug tests are not designed to process the alkaloids found in kratom. It might take a while until these alkaloids will be tested as part of a standard workplace drug test.

Therefore, you shouldn’t be concerned about a positive test if you just consumed kratom. Most tests will return a negative result.

More Thorough Tests Might Return a Positive Result

At the same time, keep in mind that some companies perform drug tests that are more advanced than the standard ones used by most businesses for their employees. Some of these tests might include the alkaloids found in kratom and that’s when you could end up with a positive result.

For example, if you’re applying for a high-ranking military job or you want to work for a prestigious security company, you might receive a more thorough test. This is when you need to be extra careful and potentially stop your kratom intake for a while.

If you’re unsure, you could also ask for more details about your test. Some companies might reveal what substances they test for and you’ll know if kratom is part of this list or not.

Kratom Might Stay in Your System for Almost a Week

Let’s say that you have a kratom drug test coming up and you want to be sure that you pass it. How long before the test should you discontinue your consumption of kratom? This is a good question and as always, the answer depends on various factors.

The alkaloids present in kratom are processed differently in each individual. This depends on your kratom tolerance, age, size, weight, and other factors. Some strains of kratom also contain more alkaloids and they have a more powerful effect on your system.

As a rule of thumb, the human body naturally excretes kratom at a rate of 50% per day. This means that tomorrow you’ll have half of the quantity of kratom you consumed today. The day after that you’ll have 25% and so on.

That’s why it’s safe to say that, after a week, your system is mostly free of kratom alkaloids and you might pass even a more stringent test. If your kratom lab drug test looks for the psychoactive substances found in kratom, make sure that you don’t ingest any of it 7 days before your test.

Make Sure That Kratom Is Legal in Your Area

Not all American States have legalized the selling and consumption of kratom. It’s important to know if this plant is legal in your state, otherwise, you could face more serious charges. Not only that you could be fired from your job, but you might also get into legal trouble.

For example, states such as Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and others have banned kratom altogether. If you live here, it’s probably a good idea not to consume this substance for now.

Now You Know Everything About Kratom and Drug Tests

As you can see, the relationship between kratom and drug tests is a bumpy one. A standard drug test might not discover it, but a more thorough one could. It’s all about when you ingested kratom products and whether your system has cleared them up before your test.

Another good way to minimize the likelihood of a positive result is to take kratom with a potentiator. For example, apple cider vinegar can potentiate the effects of kratom, so you don’t have to take a high dose that might be picked up by a kratom lab drug test.

Check out this collection of herbal supplements that go well with kratom and can significantly improve your health!