Can You Take Kratom on Probation? (Legal Risks and Gray Area)
I can recall an evening when I stupidly smoked a little weed, tempting fate on the eve of when my monthly probation reporting was to occur. Although it was a great night, I still managed to put myself in harm’s way, risking everything I had worked so very hard for, instantly in one dumb moment.
It all hit me the next morning as I thought How could I be so reckless? What the hell was the matter with me? Was it all worth it? But beyond that, I was terrified of the consequences…
Needless to say, the following week I was shitting my pants nervously at the probation office as I awaited my turn, thinking a drug test (and my subsequent failure) was all but inevitable.
Well, I am proud to say that the marijuana Gods took mercy on me that day and allowed me to move forward in life, free of what could have been a very bad situation I put myself in.
I also vowed to never be so weak as to partake while on probation ever again, thus jeopardizing my freedom and the well-being of my family. So being the degenerate addict I am, I set my sights and vices towards something new – Kratom use.
The problem was the current state of affairs does not allow for this plant (Kratom) in certain geographical locations. In turn, anyone in a community supervision program must understand a few fundamental things if and when using Kratom.
Will Kratom Make You Fail a Drug Test?
Kratom is not detectable on the standard 5-panel drug test, but it does show up in blood tests and urine testing. Additionally, there is specific kratom drug testing known as the kratom 10-panel test that clinicians can administer as well. In other words, yes, kratom does show up on some drug tests, but more often than not, the chances are highly unlikely and are test-specific.
Drug tests vary from 5 panels to 12 panels, as can be seen in the below chart. Notably, not even the 12-panel test can detect Kratom, and the reality is no standard drug test looks for Kratom.
This means that you will never fail an employment drug test for Kratom use. To be noted, it is wise to not tell your employer that you are taking Kratom, since if you do not tell them then they will never know.
You may also want to check out this other article of mine…. DOES KRATOM SHOW UP ON A DRUG TEST?
Even advanced testing methods– those employers use for high-level positions– might not test for kratom alkaloids or its metabolites because it is not a popular or well-known drug of substance use and abuse.
One of the biggest reasons why there is so much gaining Kratom use (as opposed to other opioids and substances), is that they believe it won’t show up on a drug test. This is partly true, as Kratom does not show up on much of your standard testing, as the focus is frequently on the more illicit drugs.
How long will it take for Kratom to be out of my system?
On average, it would take around a full day for someone to eliminate 50% of the kratom in their body. It would take just over five days for kratom to be fully cleared from the system, based on this half-life information.
It is believed through research conducted thus far that the primary alkaloid found in Kratom, Mitragynine, has a half-life close to that of 24 hours. Several factors play a role in the excretion from the body such as:
- Age
- Body fat
- Genetics
- Predisposition
- Food and water intake
You may also want to check out this post of mine… IS IT OKAY TO USE KRATOM EVERYDAY?
What is Kratom?
Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, is a psychoactive substance made from leaves that grow in Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand. Users typically chew the leaves, ingest capsules filled with ground leaf powder, or make tea to feel the purpose effects.
In Southeast Asia, people have used the matcha-green substance specifically as a pain reliever and mood-booster since at least the 19th century.
(I have used Kratom for quite some time and have to admit it has done wonders for my anxiety and mood)
Mitragynine stimulates opiates-like activity in the brain and reduces pain response. When the active components of Kratom reach the brain, they influence mood and relieve anxiety. It also has produced a euphoric effect similar to that of opium or heroin.
Although marketed today as having healing powers and medicinal purposes, most medical experts agree that the health risks of Kratom use make it unsafe as there is no FDA approval for the substance.
You may also want to check out this post of mine… HOW DO YOU TAKE KRATOM?
Is Kratom legal?
Although kratom is legal in the United States, some states and municipalities have imposed age restrictions, while others have chosen to ban the substance altogether, making it illegal to sell, possess, grow, or use the substance.
It is important to remember that kratom is legal at the federal level and in most states, therefore, authorities and employers are not likely to test for kratom if it isn’t illegal in your state.
For more information on this, check out this post – IS KRATOM LEGAL?
WILL KRATOM SHOW UP ON A PROBATION DRUG TEST?
Probation uses standard panel drug tests, therefore Kratom will not show up on your standard urine test that they do. However, (and to be absolutely clear) people on probation should not use Kratom, as taking it can lead to a violation of the terms of their supervision, as many probationers cannot even consume alcohol, nor anything else that is psychoactive for that matter.
There are multiple ways someone can violate their probation by using Kratom. If you tell your probation officer that you are consuming Kratom, they could send your urine sample in for in-depth lab analysis, and Kratom would be detected. As well, there are now standard procedures specifically testing urine for Kratom.
To be clear, this is not included in a standard panel drug test, but if a probation officer sends the urine sample to the lab, it will be tested for. As noted, few tests are likely to detect kratom, but its metabolites might be identified in specific tests such as 10-panel drug screens. Through the use of one of these tests, the substance could be found in urine for up to seven days.
You may also want to check out this post… DOES KRATOM SHOW UP ON A DRUG TEST?
Even if it is identified, this may or may not be a problem because kratom is legal in most areas and would be similar to finding alcohol in a person’s system that they consumed two days before the test.
CAN YOU TAKE KRATOM WHILE ON PROBATION and WILL KRATOM VIOLATE YOUR PROBATION?
Yes, there is a high possibility, and the likelihood only increases as more information comes out and the popularity of Kratom usage rises.
When a judge sentences you to probation following the conviction of a crime, or after you have served some jail or prison time, you are supervised by a probation officer and must follow specific rules.
Probation sets out strict guidelines you must adhere to for a set amount of time to keep your freedom. Additionally, more and more specific probation terms may require and identify that you avoid the substance, and abstain from usage while on supervision, similar to that of drinking alcohol, and may have you submit to random testing.
Despite what you may already know in terms of the benefits of that Kratom may provide for you, one must also consider the consequences of its use when on a supervision program.
For more information on Kratom, check out these helpful posts…
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My friend went to jail today in alamorgordo nm probation violated him for using Kratom his name is Kevin Gonzales
This article was actually very helpful, I have done some prior research and everything that was said is valid. Most websites I’ve been to on this matter beat around the bush and never really answered my questions, however this website was straight to the point and was actually a good read. I’m on probation and kratoms really the only thing legal I can take to ease anxiety and restlessness. But even tho it’s legal to gen pop it’s illegal to me specifically given my position with the state. I just wanted to thank the author real quick, best article I’ve found on this matter.