Kratom is derived from the tropical plant Mitragyna speciosa, where mainly its leaves are processed for use. Kratom produces stimulant-like effects at low doses and opioid-like or sedative effects at higher doses.[1] Kratom onset of action is around 5–10 minutes after consumption.
While standard drug tests do not screen for kratom, specialized tests can detect it by identifying its compounds like mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and other alkaloids.[2] A range of factors, like metabolism, frequency, dose, age, body fat, and health conditions, can affect how long kratom stays in the body.[3]
| Drug test type | Detection window |
|---|---|
| Urine | Up to 7 days |
| Blood | Approximately 24 hours |
| Saliva | Less than 24 hours, but rarely used |
| Hair Follicle | Not commonly used, but theoretically, up to 90 days |
- Kratom may be detectable in urine from 1-7 days, in blood for up to 24 hours, in hair for up to 90 days, and in saliva for a few hours after use.
- Effects start within 5–10 minutes. Low doses produce stimulant effects lasting 2–3 hours, while higher doses yield sedative effects lasting up to 6 hours.
- Dosage, frequency of use, metabolic rate, body composition, liver function, and concurrent drug use are all determining variables that will affect how long kratom will remain in the system.
Kratom half-Life: How long does kratom last in the system?
A substance's half-life is the time it takes for its concentration in the body to decrease by half through metabolism and/or elimination processes.[7] Mitragynine, kratom's active ingredient, has a half-life of 7–24 hours, which is influenced by the dose and individual metabolism.[8][9] This prolonged half-life can result in mitragynine being detected for up to 7 days after the last dose for a person who uses kratom frequently.[10] The most common form of detection is urine toxicology.
In contrast, 7-hydroxymitragynine, a more potent, though less prevalent compound in kratom, has a shorter half-life of 2.5–3 hours. Despite this, it has an impact on kratom’s psychoactive profile due to its potency and stronger affinity for opioid receptors.[9[11] However, because it has a shorter half-life, it is cleared from the body more quickly than mitragynine.
Other research suggests differing half-life profiles, but this may be because the method of use can influence the half-life. For example, research indicates that mitragynine's half-life after injection (for research purposes only) is 2.9 hours.
Furthermore, detection in drug testing varies, with mitragynine detectable in urine for up to a week in heavy users, although standard tests do not typically screen for kratom. [9]
How is kratom metabolized?
Everything absorbed through the stomach undergoes first-pass metabolism. That means when taking kratom, it is absorbed in the stomach/intestine and then broken down (metabolized) by the liver before going to the rest of the body.[9]
When ingested, the active compound in kratom, mitragynine, undergoes hepatic metabolism, primarily through the action of cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, CYP2D6. These enzymes convert mitragynine into inactive compounds and other active, more potent forms, like the compound 7-hydroxymitragynine.[12]
Interestingly, 7-hydroxymitragynine has potent analgesic and sedative effects because it binds more powerfully to mu-opioid receptors in the brain. Therefore, once mitragynine is metabolized, it can lead to more powerful effects.[13] After first-pass metabolism, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine undergo additional steps to prepare them to be excreted through the kidneys. [14]
Understanding this process is crucial because the enzyme CYP3A4 and the conversion of mitragynine to 7-hydroxymitragynine—known for its high affinity to bind to mu-opioid receptors—are central to kratom's pharmacological effects. With kratom’s popularity on the rise, understanding these effects becomes even more critical, especially for safe and informed use.[9][15]
How long do the effects of kratom last?
Kratom’s effects typically begin within 5 to 10 minutes of consumption, reaching their peak 1 to 2 hours later. For regular kratom users, including those who may have developed a tolerance, the sedative effects typically peak between 40 and 80 minutes (mean: 1 hour). [2]
At lower doses (1–5 grams), it acts as a stimulant, with effects lasting 2 to 3 hours. Higher doses (5–15 grams) produce sedative-like effects that can last up to 6 hours. The effects of kratom vary based on factors such as dose, individual metabolism, and frequency of use. [16]
Related: Kratom side effects
Physical and psychological symptoms associated with kratom
| Aspect | Low Dose (Stimulant) | High Dose (Sedative/Opioid-like) | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical symptoms | Increased energy, alertness | Pain relief, relaxation, sedation | Withdrawal: aches, cramps, insomnia |
| Psychological symptoms | Improved mood, sociability | Euphoria, anxiety reduction | Dependence, potential cognitive decline |
| Side effects | Nausea, sweating, dry mouth | Respiratory depression | Depression, anxiety, potential memory issues |
Kratom detection: Does kratom show up on a drug test?
Kratom is not included in standard drug tests—common drug screening panels test for THC, opioids, benzodiazepines, and amphetamines. Specialized drug testing, however, can detect kratom.
Urine testing
Kratom can be detected in urine when a specific test is used for mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds can generally be detected in urine 5-6 days after ingestion, depending on the dose, frequency, and individual metabolism. Urine testing is the most common method for detecting kratom in specialized testing, although it is not included in standard drug screens.[17] For example, in such a situation, one would take a urine sample and specify that the lab should test for kratom.
Blood testing
Blood testing for kratom is rare and typically only used for detection shortly after use. Mitragynine is detectable in blood within 1-2 hours post-ingestion, which can be detected for up to 24 hours. Blood testing is, however, not routinely used due to the short detection window and the procedure's invasiveness.[18]
Hair follicle testing
Hair testing can detect kratom for up to 90 days. However, specialized hair testing for kratom is not routinely done due to the high cost associated with it and the lack of routine inclusion in drug testing panels.[13]
Saliva Testing
Saliva testing is uncommon for kratom and is generally not considered reliable for detecting kratom use. If used, the detection window would be limited to a few hours post-ingestion.
Factors that affect kratom duration in your system
Kratom's duration in the body varies because of physiological and lifestyle factors, which can affect how long its active compounds, primarily mitragynine, remain detectable in the system.They include:[19][20][21]
- Body fat and composition: Kratom’s alkaloids, particularly mitragynine, are lipophilic, meaning they get stored in fat. People with higher body fat percentages may retain kratom for extended periods.
- Metabolism: Metabolic rate is influenced by age, genetics, and overall health, to name a few. People with so-called “faster metabolisms” metabolize kratom more quickly.
- Frequency of use: With prolonged and repeated use, kratom's half-life is longer due to residual levels of kratom compounds in the body.
- Dosage: Higher doses of kratom tend to stay in the system longer than lower doses.
- Liver function: People with compromised liver function metabolize kratom more slowly or inefficiently.
- Hydration and urinary pH: Higher hydration levels generally facilitate faster excretion, while variations in urinary pH may influence the reabsorption and elimination of kratom alkaloids.
- Concurrent drug use: Drugs affecting liver enzymes (such as CYP3A4 inhibitors) can affect how quickly kratom is metabolized.
Kratom's effects, duration, and detectability depend on factors such as dosage, metabolism, and frequency of use. Detection in urine can range from 1 to 7 days, but standard drug tests typically do not include kratom. As its popularity grows, understanding kratom's metabolism and effects is critical for informed and safe use.
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