Kratom Drug Tests: Catching the Use of this Poorly Regulated Drug

kratom drug test

In a two-year CDC study of 27,000 overdose deaths, kratom was linked to around 152 of those incidents. In 91 cases, kratom was found to be a direct cause of death. A tropical tree in the coffee family, kratom might look like any other plant. Yet, it contains powerful compounds that interact with your brain’s opioid receptors. When consumed in excessive amounts, this substance can cause a range of negative side effects, ranging from nausea to seizures. A kratom drug test can help you determine if any of your employees are using this drug, so you can take swift action.

Today, we’re sharing how this test works, why it’s important, and how to order yours today.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tree that grows naturally in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papa New Guinea. In Southeast Asia, it is a tradition to chew on its leaves, and many farmworkers will do so to relieve stress and ease muscle aches.

Yet, the effects of this substance can be detrimental. The leaves of the kratom tree contain two compounds: Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine. These both hold psychotropic, or mind-altering, effects that can lead users into patterns of addiction, abuse, and dependence.

Across the United States and Europe, kratom has recently grown in popularity, primarily due to local smoke shops and online vendors who make it easy for interested buyers to try it.

Most people consume crushed-up kratom leaves in pill or capsule form, while some people simply chew on the leaves. They may also seep the leaves as a tea or dry them and add them to edibles. You can also find kratom extract.

Is It Legal?

At the federal level, kratom is legal. In 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced intentions to make it a Schedule I substance, though this move was met with backlash and ultimately tabled.

While some centers will use it as a treatment for opioid addiction and chronic pain management, there are currently no uses of the drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In fact, the FDA is currently reviewing research and scientific information on kratom and explicitly warns consumers not to use it.

While it might not be exactly illegal, certain states and municipalities, including Arkansas, Washington, D.C., and others, have enacted a kratom ban and others have proposed bills to follow suit in the near future.

Why Is It Dangerous?

When the compounds in kratom leaves interact with the opioid receptors in your brain, they can trigger a range of effects, including:

  • Relaxation
  • Pleasure
  • Pain relief

At the same time, one of the compounds, Mitragynine, can also interact with other brain receptors to produce the opposite effect, leaving some users more stimulated than sedated. Especially when the kratom dosage is small (1 to 5 mg), it can cause excitability, sociability, and increased alertness.

The danger in kratom lies in how easy it is to overdose on this substance or become addicted to it. When taken in too-large amounts, it can lead to a host of negative health consequences. These include:

  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Excessive itching
  • Appetite loss
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Psychosis

It goes without saying that these are not symptoms that you want a responsible employee to exhibit. In addition, it’s also important to look out for the signs that someone is going through a kratom withdrawal. A few of the telltale symptoms include:

  • Hostility
  • Anger
  • Aggression
  • Muscle pain
  • An inability to work

The presence of kratom can make it difficult for an employee to perform well and stay safe at work. This is where a kratom drug test can prove beneficial.

How Does a Kratom Drug Test Work?

Our kratom drug test is available in a urine drip format. It is a single-drug screen test designed to monitor the presence of Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxyitragynine. Both of these compounds can be detected in urine for up to 72 hours.

Once employees submit a urine sample, the test can be inserted into the sample to measure for the presence of kratom. The test will yield a positive result if the concentration of Mitragynine exceeds the 250 cut-off level.

Testing Procedures

Each box contains 25 tests, and each test is to be used only once.

Keep the test in its original, sealed pouch until you’re ready to use it, and keep it away from sunlight, moisture, and heat.

When it’s time to perform the assay, make sure that the urine sample is recent, untreated, and at room temperature (15-30 degrees Celsius). Dip the sample pad of the test device into the sample and leave it there for at least 15 seconds. Make sure the sample appears in the window area.

Then, place the cap back on the test device and lay it on a flat surface. Wait five to 20 minutes, and then read the result.

Interpreting the Results

If you see a red-colored band in both the control region (C) and test region, you can interpret this as a negative result. Note that the color and density of the band might not always be consistent, but it’s the actual presence of the band that’s important.

On the other hand, if you see the control band in the control region, but no band in the test region, the result is presumed positive.

What happens if there is no band at all in the control region? In that case, the test is deemed invalid, even if there is a band present in the test region. You’ll need to perform the test again using a new device.

Buy Kratom Drug Tests Online Today

You expect your employees to maintain a high degree of professionalism. If you suspect that someone is using kratom and exhibiting negative or concerning behavior, it’s important to get the facts.

A kratom drug test is a simple, quick procedure that can deliver the answers you need in a matter of minutes.

To order yours today, add them to your cart and complete our simple checkout process. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us.