Will Kratom Show Up On Probation Drug Tests?
The short answer is no; kratom will not show up on most probation drug tests.
The typical 5-panel drug test tests for:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in marijuana
- Cocaine
- Phencyclidine (PCP/Angel Dust)
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)
- Opiates
The typical 12-panel drug test used for individuals on probation tests for:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in marijuana
- Cocaine
- Phencyclidine (PCP/Angel Dust)
- Opiates
- Benzodiazepines
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
- Ecstasy/MDMA
- Barbiturates
- Methaqualone
- Propoxyphene
The standard drug tests issued by probation officers will not test for kratom. Since kratom is not an opiate, the standard drug tests will not show a positive if you’ve only used kratom.
How Can You Be Caught Using Kratom On Probation?
Although the typical drug tests don’t show positive for kratom use, there are specific tests that will detect kratom in your system. If your probation officer believes you’re on kratom, they can issue a kratom-specific drug test and determine if you’ve used it recently.
In the sections below, we’ll explain a few ways your kratom use might become apparent to a probation officer.
1. Kratom-Specific Drug Test
If your probation officer knows about your history with kratom use, then they might opt to issue a kratom-specific drug test. A urine test designed to confirm kratom use can show positive for up to about a week after your last kratom dose.
2. Family & Friend Interviews
While on probation, your probation officer may interview your family members or friends to discuss potential drug use and how you conduct yourself on probation. If one of the interviewees mentions your current kratom use — whether they know it could be detrimental or not — you could land yourself behind bars.
3. Symptoms of Use
Your probation officer will also conduct unannounced drop-ins with you throughout your probation period. As a psychoactive drug, kratom causes physical and mental effects that might be hard to hide from your probation officer.
If they notice that you’re not as present as you typically are, are more alert and stimulated, or have other symptoms of kratom use, they may opt to conduct more thorough drug testing. If the test includes kratom, you could be caught.
4. Other Evidence of Use
Since your probation officer will often show up at your place of residence unannounced, they may stumble upon kratom products. Possession of kratom won’t always trigger incarceration while you’re on probation, but it certainly could.
Plus, if your probation officer finds out that you have kratom, they’re far more likely to issue a kratom-specific drug test, confirming kratom use. That could be enough to land you in jail.
What Happens If You’re Found Using Kratom on Probation?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated, but the bottom line is that you could lose your probation rights and end up in jail.
Although kratom isn’t illegal on a federal level, many people on probation are given strict rules that state that mind-altering substances are not allowed while on probation. This can be a gray area in some cases since drugs like caffeine and nicotine are technically mind-altering but won’t land you in jail.
Still, there is a stigma attached to kratom. Since the compound is an analog of opioids, and since opioids are a banned substance for individuals on probation, kratom use could very well be enough to lose your probation rights.
Plus, kratom is illegal in some counties, cities, and states. You’ll most likely end up in jail if you use an illegal substance while on probation.
How Risky Is It to Use Kratom While On Probation?
Since kratom is often considered a banned substance for people on probation, any kratom use can be risky.
With that said, it’s possible to use kratom and not get caught, even though the risk is usually not worth it. Since kratom only shows up on kratom-specific drug tests, the likelihood that your kratom use will be detected is minimal.
However, if you’re on probation for a drug-related offense, you’re more likely to be subjected to more extensive drug testing, which could very well detect kratom use.
If you’re caught using or possessing kratom while on probation in a state or municipality where it’s illegal, you will likely end up in jail.
The bottom line is that kratom use is unlikely to be detected while you’re on probation, but it’s a good idea to avoid substance use altogether to be safe, especially if it is illegal where you live.
The Bottom Line: Avoid Kratom Use While On Probation
Although kratom isn’t illegal on a federal level, it’s still a mind-altering drug, and possession and use while on probation could land you behind bars.
It’s unlikely that your kratom use will be confirmed since most users can function normally while on it, and standard probation drug tests won’t detect kratom in your system. Still, since it’s a gray area, it’s best to avoid kratom use altogether while you’re on probation.
