Short answer: usually not, but it depends on the test.
Kratom has gained popularity in the US, but many users worry whether kratom shows up as an opiate on drug tests, especially for jobs, athletics, or legal issues. The good news? On standard drug panels, it typically doesn’t.
That’s because kratom isn’t technically an opiate, even though it affects the same brain receptors. Its key alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with the body in opioid-like ways, but they don’t share the same chemical structure. That distinction matters when it comes to how tests are designed and what they’re actually screening for.
In this Real Botanicals guide, we’ll walk through what kratom is, how drug tests work, and when kratom might be detected, especially on expanded panels or lab-specific screenings. We’ll also explain how factors like test type, usage habits, and alkaloid metabolism can impact detection windows.
Understanding Kratom and Drug Testing
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain over 40 active alkaloids, but the two most talked-about are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These natural compounds are what give kratom its energizing or calming effects, depending on your dose.
Although kratom is often lumped in with opioids, it’s not technically an opiate. Opiates like codeine and morphine are derived directly from the opium poppy. Kratom, on the other hand, is a botanical with a totally different chemical structure. Still, because it interacts with the same mu-opioid receptors in the brain, it creates similar sensations, which is why people often confuse the two.
This is where the drug testing confusion starts.
When you take kratom, your body breaks down its alkaloids into metabolites. But unless a test is specifically calibrated to detect those metabolites, kratom won't show up, especially not as an opiate. That’s why most standard screenings, like pre-employment 5-panel tests, won’t catch it.
If you want to get more familiar with kratom’s chemical makeup and how it compares to opioids, this beginner-friendly primer on kratom and kava is a great place to start. It breaks down the basics and helps explain why kratom isn’t always easy to classify, or detect.
And if you're curious about how the FDA views kratom’s pharmacology, you can also explore their official public kratom health statement for a more clinical perspective.
What Substances Are Detected on Standard Drug Tests?
To understand whether kratom will show up on a drug test, it helps to know what those tests are actually looking for.
The most common screenings are the 5-panel and 10-panel urine tests. These are widely used by employers, schools, and probation programs. Here’s what they typically detect:
5-Panel Tests
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Opiates (like codeine, morphine, and heroin)
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THC (cannabis)
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Cocaine
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Amphetamines
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PCP
10-Panel Tests
Everything in the 5-panel, plus:
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Benzodiazepines
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Barbiturates
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Methadone
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Propoxyphene
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Methaqualone (sometimes swapped for other substances depending on the lab)
Kratom is not included in these standard panels. Even though it acts on opioid receptors, its alkaloids don’t trigger a positive result for opiates like morphine or heroin.
That said, some more advanced or specialized drug tests, like LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) or GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), done with urine tests or blood tests, can detect kratom’s unique chemical markers. But these are expensive, rarely used outside of forensic or clinical settings, and generally not part of routine screenings.
Still unsure how kratom stacks up against true opiates? This comparison of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine explains the differences in how these compounds behave, and why they don’t trigger standard opiate flags on most panels.
Can Kratom Be Detected in a Drug Test at All?
Yes, kratom can be detected, but not easily, and not by default.
Unlike common drugs screened for in standard 5-panel drug tests or more comprehensive 10-panel drug tests, kratom requires specialized testing to be identified. Labs that use high-sensitivity tools like LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) or GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) can detect mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, or their metabolites. But here’s the catch: those tests are rarely ordered unless there’s a specific reason.
So, when would someone get tested for kratom?
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Court-ordered testing (e.g., child custody cases, drug treatment programs)
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Parole or probation testing if kratom is prohibited
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Research studies where kratom use is monitored
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Certain addiction treatment or rehab centers that include kratom in their extended panels
What Does Kratom Test Positive For?
In most everyday situations, like workplace drug screens, kratom won’t show up unless it’s explicitly included. Even then, detection requires advanced tools and a high level of intent.
While kratom won’t test positive for opiates like morphine, mitragynine and its metabolites may be detected in specialty panels designed for kratom alkaloids on toxicology screens.
Key Metabolites Detected:
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Mitragynine
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7-Hydroxymitragynine
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Dihydro mitragynine (minor metabolite)
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Hydroxy mitragynine derivatives
These are the primary targets in a toxicology screen designed specifically for kratom detection. Tests must specifically look for kratom or its metabolites to yield a positive result. Other factors that influence detection include dosage, frequency, and metabolism.
Enzymes Involved in Metabolizing Kratom:
While enzymes aren’t measured in drug screens, liver function panels (often used in clinical or research settings) may assess overall enzyme activity to evaluate how substances like kratom are processed. These enzymes help metabolize kratom alkaloids:
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CYP3A4 – main enzyme responsible for converting mitragynine into 7-hydroxymitragynine
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CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 – may play minor roles in metabolizing other kratom alkaloids
Want peace of mind? The best move is to choose a brand that’s transparent about its ingredients and testing. Our Real Botanicals FAQ includes more details on how we formulate and verify our products so you can feel confident in what you're using.
For a clinical view on how labs detect kratom, this PubMed research article covers detection techniques and alkaloid breakdowns using forensic testing protocols.
Can Kratom Cause a False Positive for Opiates?
This is one of the most common fears among kratom users — and thankfully, one of the easiest to clear up.
Because kratom’s alkaloids are structurally different from traditional opiates, like morphine or cocaine, they won’t trigger a positive on standard drug tests. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine affect the same opioid receptors in the brain, but don't show up as opiates.
Despite this, the internet is full of anecdotes, mostly from forums or Reddit threads, about people who say they failed a drug test because of kratom. But in nearly every case, there’s no lab-verified data to back it up. The issue often comes down to other variables like contaminated products, poly-substance use, or unrelated prescription meds that may confuse results.
Experts agree: kratom does not cross-react with immunoassay tests designed for opiates. For added assurance, NIDA and other research sources confirm kratom’s alkaloids don’t share the same metabolic signatures.
Still concerned? It’s smart to use products from companies that focus on purity and transparency. Real Botanicals’ formulas, including our kratom powder capsules, are lab-tested, clearly labeled, and designed with these concerns in mind. You can also read more about how kratom differs from traditional opiates in our alkaloid guide.
How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?
The amount of time kratom stays in your body depends on the alkaloid, your dosage, and your individual metabolism. But here’s a general breakdown based on the most common forms of testing:
Detection Timelines
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Urine tests: up to 7 days
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Saliva tests: up to 24 hours
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Blood tests: 24–48 hours
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Hair tests: up to 90 days
Urine tests are the most common and offer the longest window for detection. But again, kratom won’t be detected in these tests unless the lab is looking specifically for it, using tools like LC-MS/MS or GC-MS.
Your usage habits also make a big difference:
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Frequent users may store alkaloids longer due to a buildup
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Larger doses extend the half-life and detection window
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Body weight and metabolic rate can speed up or slow down how kratom leaves your system
Want to dive deeper into alkaloid breakdown? Our guide on what is 7-hydroxymitragynine and its half-life explains how quickly your body processes kratom’s most potent compound. Also, refer again to the PubMed article we linked earlier on kratom metabolism and detection methods. It offers detailed insights on alkaloid breakdown and plasma detection timelines.
What to Do If You’re Facing a Drug Test
If you’re using kratom and have an upcoming drug test, a little preparation can go a long way. While standard panels won’t screen for kratom, it’s still smart to think ahead, especially if your situation involves legal, medical, or safety-sensitive contexts.
Be Proactive, Not Panicked
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Disclose supplement use to your healthcare provider or employer if asked. Kratom is legal in many states, and transparency shows responsibility.
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Document your usage if you're in a clinical or legal setting. Keep track of brands, batch numbers, and usage dates. This is especially useful if you’re using a high-purity product like our 7-Hydroxy shot and want to ensure you can explain exactly what’s in your system.
Note: Regular users may experience mild withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and muscle aches if Kratom use is stopped suddenly. While kratom withdrawal is usually milder than opioids, it's still worth understanding, especially for those with a history of frequent substance use.
What to Avoid
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Don’t rely on internet myths. Anecdotes from forums can stir anxiety but often lack context.
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Avoid questionable products. Adulterated or mislabeled kratom can carry contaminants that do cause test complications. Stick with brands that offer transparency, like ours.
Also worth noting: Kratom is legal at the federal level, but certain employers or states may include it on banned substance lists. When in doubt, check your local rules and talk to a professional.
Still nervous? Contact us directly. We’re happy to walk you through our sourcing, testing, and formulation process so you can make informed decisions for your health.
Understanding the Legal Gray Area of Kratom
Kratom is federally legal, but banned or restricted in some states and cities. Even in legal areas, employers may still test for it depending on their substance use policies.
Our guide to kratom legality provides a helpful overview. It also breaks down how kratom compares to other natural mood boosters like kava, especially in terms of regulation and risk.
For a broader context, the American Kratom Association advocates for consumer rights and maintains updated maps on where kratom is legal or restricted.
Bottom line: if you’re facing a drug test and live in a state where kratom is under scrutiny, it's smart to review both local laws and your employer's policies. And when in doubt, stick with tested, transparent products from sources you trust.
Kratom and Drug Tests: What You Really Need to Know
To keep it simple: kratom does not show up as an opiate on standard drug tests.
Its active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, may act on opioid receptors, but they don’t share the same chemical footprint as opiates like morphine or codeine. That means a routine 5- or 10-panel screening is unlikely to flag kratom use.
However, specialized testing can detect kratom and may be used in situations like court cases, rehab programs, or clinical studies. These advanced tools aren’t common, but they do exist.
There’s also no reliable evidence that kratom causes false positives for opiates. The confusion often comes from anecdotal stories or misunderstandings about how drug panels work. When you’re using a clean, clearly labeled product, like the ones from Real Botanicals, the risk of unwanted surprises drops dramatically.
If you’re in a position where kratom testing is a concern, be proactive. Know your local laws, check your employer’s policy, and use trusted, lab-tested products. You can also explore the science behind kratom’s half-life and detection windows or review the FDA materials on kratom for added clarity.
Ultimately, being informed is the best way to stay empowered. Kratom can be part of a smart, plant-based wellness routine, especially when used with intention and care.