Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has become a subject of growing interest—and controversy—in the U.S. Used traditionally in places like Thailand and Malaysia for centuries, its leaves contain psychoactive compounds known for producing stimulant effects at low doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses. But as kratom use has surged in the West, so too has the concern over its potential for abuse, dependence, and how long it lingers in the body.
In this comprehensive, evidence-based article, we explore how long kratom stays in your system, the factors that influence detection, and what this means in the context of drug testing, withdrawal, and public health.
Understanding Kratom and Its Active Compounds
Kratom (scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa) contains dozens of compounds, but two alkaloids are pharmacologically significant:[1]
- Mitragynine
- 7-hydroxymitragynine
These kratom alkaloids interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, producing effects such as pain relief, sedation, or euphoria—similar to opioid drugs, but with a different mechanism and potency.
When kratom is consumed (typically in capsule form, powder, or brewed tea), its active compounds are fat-soluble and go through a process of metabolization, leaving behind kratom metabolites that can be detected in biological samples.
How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long kratom stays in a person’s system. The half-life of mitragynine, kratom’s primary alkaloid, is estimated to be about 23 to 24 hours, although studies on this remain limited.[2] A half-life refers to how long it takes for half of the substance to be eliminated from the body.
Given this half-life, it can take 5 to 6 days for kratom to be fully cleared from the system in most users. However, kratom can be detected for more than a week in some individuals, depending on several variables.
Detection Windows by Test Type
Let’s break down kratom detection by testing method:
- Urine tests: The most common method. Kratom can be detected for up to 7–9 days, especially with higher doses or chronic use.
- Blood tests: Detect kratom for a few hours to 1–2 days after use. Not typically used for standard drug screenings.
- Saliva tests: Rare for kratom; detection time is likely short, perhaps within a 24-hour window.
- Hair follicle testing: Can detect kratom use for up to 90 days after ingestion, though limited research exists on kratom-specific hair tests.
- Standard drug tests: Kratom is not typically screened in standard 5-panel tests used by employers, but kratom testing is increasing in specialized screenings.
Factors Affecting Kratom Detection
Kratom’s detection window can vary widely depending on:
- Individual metabolism: Faster metabolisms may clear the substance more quickly.
- Body fat: Kratom compounds are fat-soluble, meaning they may be stored longer in individuals with higher body fat.
- Age and overall health: Liver and kidney function play roles in how long kratom stays in your system.
- Kratom dose and frequency: Larger doses and chronic use lead to longer retention times.
- Empty stomach vs. food intake: Consuming kratom on an empty stomach can speed up absorption and possibly elimination.
Kratom Use and Drug Testing Concerns
Will Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?
Most standard drug tests—including those used by employers or probation officers—do not detect kratom unless they are specifically tailored to look for mitragynine or its metabolites.
That said, specialized kratom drug tests do exist, and some testing panels (especially in treatment centers or law enforcement) may include kratom. Clinical pathology labs can also detect kratom through blood or urine analysis.
Regulatory Ambiguity and Growing Scrutiny
Despite being legal in most U.S. states, kratom remains controversial. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has attempted to designate kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, citing risks of drug abuse and physical dependence. Though the DEA backed down after public backlash, the conversation remains ongoing.
The American Kratom Association continues to advocate for safe access and regulatory clarity, arguing that kratom helps manage chronic pain, opioid withdrawal symptoms, and substance use disorders.
Kratom Withdrawal and Dependence
Like other drugs that interact with opioid receptors, kratom can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal. Though the opioid-like effects of kratom are milder, kratom withdrawal symptoms can be distressing:[3]
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Cravings
Withdrawal typically begins within 12 to 24 hours after the last dose and can last up to a week. The severity depends on how long kratom has been used and at what doses.
Drug Interactions and Risks
Kratom is often perceived as a natural alternative, but that doesn’t mean it’s without risk—especially when combined with other substances.
Known interactions include:
- Other opioids: Increases risk of respiratory depression.
- Benzodiazepines or alcohol: Amplifies sedative effects.
- Stimulants: May cause heart palpitations or agitation.
Overdose Potential:
Although lethal overdoses are rare, combining kratom with other drugs heightens the risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that kratom was detected in nearly 1% of overdose deaths in 27 states from July 2016 to December 2017, often in conjunction with other substances like fentanyl or benzodiazepines.[4]
What Studies and Experts Say
Scientific research on kratom is still in its early stages. A 2021 comprehensive review in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence noted that while kratom may have therapeutic potential, its abuse liability is real, especially at high doses or with long-term use.[5]
Some studies suggest kratom may serve as a harm-reduction alternative to opioid drugs, helping users taper off stronger narcotics. But without regulated dosing, standardized kratom testing, or long-term studies, the risks of kratom addiction and drug interactions remain areas of concern.
Final Thoughts: How Long Kratom Stays in the Body
To summarize:
- Kratom can stay in your system for up to 7–9 days, depending on multiple individual and dosage-related factors.
- Standard drug tests do not typically detect kratom, but specialized kratom tests do exist.
- Blood, saliva, and hair tests all have different detection windows, with hair tests offering the longest span.
- The substance’s half-life, fat solubility, and metabolization process all play key roles in its retention.
- Kratom can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms with regular use, especially at higher doses.
- The legal and clinical landscape around kratom is still evolving, with regulators, scientists, and advocacy groups pushing in different directions.
Until more research and regulation emerge, users should approach kratom with caution—especially when it comes to mixing it with other drugs, understanding its detection time, and planning for possible drug tests.
Get Connected to Kratom Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one abuses kratom regularly, you could be suffering from addiction. Thankfully, addiction treatment centers like Alamo Behavioral Health can help you achieve long-term recovery.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help you recover from kratom abuse and addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can kratom cause a false positive on a drug test?
No, kratom does not typically cause a false positive for other drugs on standard 5-panel tests. Its alkaloids are structurally different from opioids and other substances commonly screened. However, some advanced testing methods may be able to detect kratom specifically.
2. Is there a safe way to taper off kratom to avoid withdrawal symptoms?
Yes. Gradually reducing the dose over several weeks can help minimize withdrawal effects. Tapering schedules should ideally be guided by a healthcare professional, especially for those using high or frequent doses. Supportive care, such as hydration, sleep hygiene, and over-the-counter medications, may ease symptoms during the process.
3. Does the method of ingestion affect how long kratom stays in your system?
Slightly. Kratom taken in capsule form may take longer to digest and absorb compared to tea or powder, potentially extending the detection window slightly. However, these differences are marginal and usually do not exceed a day or two.
4. Can kratom interact with prescription medications?
Absolutely. Kratom can inhibit or induce certain liver enzymes (e.g., CYP450), potentially altering how prescription drugs are metabolized. This can amplify or reduce the effectiveness of medications like antidepressants, antihypertensives, or opioids—posing significant risks.
5. Is kratom considered safe for long-term use?
There is insufficient long-term research to determine kratom’s safety profile over extended periods. Anecdotal reports suggest both positive outcomes (e.g., pain management) and negative ones (e.g., dependence, cognitive fog). Without standardized dosing or regulation, long-term safety remains unclear.
6. What’s the legal status of kratom in the U.S.?
Kratom is legal at the federal level, but banned in some states and municipalities, such as Alabama, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Some states have enacted regulatory frameworks under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) to ensure product safety. Always check local laws before purchasing or using kratom.
References:
- Science Direct: Kratom: History, pharmacology, current user trends, adverse health effects, and potential benefits
- Springer Nature Link: Kratom—Pharmacology, Clinical Implications, and Outlook: A Comprehensive Review
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Kratom withdrawal: Discussions and conclusions of a scientific expert forum – PMC
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Notes from the Field: Unintentional Drug Overdose Deaths with Kratom Detected — 27 States, July 2016–December 2017
- Taylor and Francis Online: An update on the clinical pharmacology of kratom: uses, abuse potential, and future considerations
