Testing for Kratom – Everything You Need to Know

One of the most controversial topics in the world of “drug alternatives” comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. The drug produced from the leaves of this tree known today as Kratom. Read more about kratom, its sides effects and proper testing for kratom.

 

 

Consumption

Kratom has a long history of usage in cultures throughout Southeast Asia.  Historically it had used to help alleviate pain.  It can be chewed or consumed in tablet form.  It can grounded into a fine powdery substance.  Some individuals today purchase powdered extracts for consumption, while others prefer to incorporate the leaves into a homemade tea.

 

 

Is Kratom a Natural Substance?

Kratom is actually derived from the Mitragyna tree.  It grows plentifully in South East Asia, specifically indigenous to Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar.  The tree itself grows up to 25 meters high. It has elliptical leaves that are heart-shaped at the base, pointed at the tips and hairy on the underside nerves. The leaves are about the size of an average man’s palm when fully mature. The tree bears oblong-ovoid (egg-shaped) fruits and yellow flowers.

Of course, what makes this tree special is hardly it’s lush appearance. The bitter leaves contain psychoactive compounds that have been used in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years.  The claim is that the leaves aid in uplifting moods, boosting energy, mental clarity, and pain relief. It is also believed to be an aphrodisiac.

 

 

Medical Approval?

Because of Kratom’s long history as an apparent pain management remedy, researchers today have studying the Mitragyna tree in order to make any medical applications.  In fact, studies have moved towards the implementation of Kratom in withdrawal treatments.

Unfortunately, kratom addiction have occurred. There have some reports to the contrary as some who have used Kratom to manage opiate withdrawal have become addicted to Kratom. Considering Kratom’s historical significance in Southeast Asia, has Kratom approved for any medical use today?

 

The FDA has not approved Kratom for any medical use. In addition, DEA has listed kratom as a Drug and Chemical of Concern.

Why?  Perhaps this has to do with the opioid-like effects on the body.  Though Kratom is not an opioid by definition, it works on the body in a similar fashion.   Many have considered self-medicating with Kratom based products to assist in ailments such as muscle soreness or subsiding abdominal pain.

 

 

Does Kratom Block Pain?

Some claim that consuming either Kratom extracts, or leaves have in fact helped them overcome the pain associated with serious health conditions.  Although more research needed to determine whether the Mitragyna tree or its components are proven method in blocking pain, many who have taken the substance stand by their decision to use it.

How do doctors feel about Kratom, however? Gavril W. Pasternak, a neurologist, and pharmacologist for mskcc.org comments on the question of whether people with cancer will benefit by taking Kratom.  He states:

 

“One problem with kratom is that it is a mixture of many different compounds whose levels can vary from preparation to preparation, making it quite difficult to determine what dose should used,” Dr. Pasternak says. “People with cancer receive more effective and reliable pain relief with established painkillers.”

Still, some who no longer have access to established painkillers have sought out Kratom products claiming that the effects are indisputable.  Researchers have taken into consideration the effects that Kratom has on the human body.  In fact, the are many significant Kratom effects, however, not all of them are good.

 

 

 

Is Kratom Illegal?

Some speculate that Kratom’s success has to do with its accessibility, however, there is something to be said about its legality as well.  Is Kratom legal to purchase?  Is it legal to sell?  In short, it’s not completely illegal in all states.  In fact, it is legal in all but six states.

At the time this article was written, there are currently six states in which kratom is labeled as a controlled substance.  In these states, it would be illegal to grow, sell and posses. There are also a few cities and counties in legal states in which use and possession are banned.

Today you can purchase Kratom products from local smoke shops.  Of course, one can easily purchase capsules or other extracts through online retailers as well.

Kratom Legality Map Taken From speciosa.org

 

 

How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your Body?

As mentioned, Mitragynine is the main active ingredient in Kratom. It is around 13 times more potent than morphine and is responsible for the opiate-like effects it has on the body.  Kratom and its metabolites have a half-life of about 23 hours.” This means that after 23 hours, the body has eliminated about half of the substance that was initially taken.

They also go on to mention that it’s difficult to know the exact metabolization process of kratom, as most mitragynine studies have taken place with animals. However, research does tell us that kratom itself not passed through the body. But it broken down into metabolites during the metabolization process.

 

 

Will Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?

Do Kratom Drug Tests exist?  The short answer is: yes.  Kratom is a relatively new emerging drug and considered legal in many states.  Because of this, there aren’t very many tests that designed to detect it.  However, because of the effects that this drug has on the body, there are a few Kratom drug tests that have created to detect both use and overuse.

When considering the standard panel drug tests like the 12 Panel Urine Drug Test, many of the most statistically abused drugs are detected, like THC and Oxycodone for instance.  However, Kratom is not usually one of them.  There are a few Kratom Drug Tests that detect only Kratom use.  These tests are easy to get if you know where to find them.

 

 

How To Use Kratom Test Strips

Urine Drug Testing Strips have proven to be a fast and reliable method of drug testing due to its convenience and accuracy.  In this case, a Kratom Urine Test would be appropriate for those who are seeking a simple and easy method for kratom testing.  The Kratom Test Strip from 12 Panel Now is no exception.  Now comes the question: How to test for Kratom? For these Test strips, the process is very simple.

 

• • Kratom Test Strip Procedure:
    1. 1. Remove the Test Strip from its sealed pouch, or remove from the canister, and use it as soon as possible. For the best results, the test should performed within an hour.
       2. Hold the KRA Test strip by the end, where the product name printed. To avoid contamination, do not touch the strip membrane.
       3. Holding the strip vertically, dip the test strip in the urine specimen for at least 10-15 seconds. Do not immerse past the maximum line (MAX) on the test strip.
       4. After the test has finished running, remove the strip from the specimen and place it on a non-absorbent flat surface. Start the timer and wait for the colored band(s) to appear. The result should read 5 minutes. Do not interpret the result after 10 minutes.

 

 

Features:

 

• • Yields a positive result when the concentration of Mitragynine exceeds the 300 cut-off level
  • Detects (-)-Mitragynine 500ng/ml & 7-Hydroxymitragynine 500ng/ml

 

 

 

How to Use Kratom Cartridge Test

If you’re considering another kind of Kratom Urine Test that is easy to use while delivering fast results, you may want to consider the Kratom Cartridge Test. The Kratom Cartridge Test is another simple Urine test that is both accurate and easy to use when testing for Kratom usage.

As mentioned, most urine drug tests to not include Kratom on the list of detected drugs.  This is why the Kratom Cartridge Test would be an easy addition for the drug test administrator.  After the donor completes a standard urine drug test, the administrator can utilize that sample, extract the specimen and apply that to the Kratom Cartridge test.

 

 

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