The tropical Southeast Asian plant kratom has become popular in recent years because it provides several benefits, including pain relief, mood boost, and increased energy.
The legal status of kratom, combined with its misuse potential, sparks debates about its military use. The stance on kratom usage and the detection of the substance in drug tests remains crucial knowledge for members of the military service.
In this blog, we’ll explore does military test for Kratom as well as drug testing protocols while discussing important information for service members regarding Kratom usage.
What Is Kratom?
The plant tree Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) generates alkaloids in its leaves, which primarily consist of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine compounds.
As opioid molecules bind to brain receptors, they produce various effects, which range from energetic stimulation to sedative tendencies, depending on the specific dose and concentration of the strain.
People usually take Kratom through its available products, which include powders, capsules, teas, and extracts.
The legal status of kratom stands uncertain, even though official lawmakers have not banned it in multiple U.S. regions. The FDA has not established kratom as medically viable, while the DEA acknowledges this substance as a drug problem.
Despite this, many people use kratom for its potential benefits, including:
- Pain relief: Kratom may help alleviate chronic pain by interacting with pain receptors in the brain.
- Mood enhancement: Some users report improved mood and reduced anxiety.
- Energy and focus: At lower doses, kratom can have stimulating effects, which may help with productivity and concentration.
Is Kratom Allowed in the Military?
The U.S. military prohibits all consumption of Kratom products. The Department of Defense, through a direct statement, banned the use of Kratom within military operations.
Kratom became prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration from legal sales because the agency found it unregulated, while raising safety questions about possible improper usage.
The military places the highest importance on maintaining optimal health and well-being, and the operational functional capacity of its soldiers. The military observes that the psychoactive nature of Kratom has the potential to make soldiers experience judgment impairment along with performance reduction.
Kratom usage exposes you to possible legal penalties whenever it is detected on military bases or properties.
Is Kratom Legal for Military Personnel?
The usage of Kratom remains prohibited for all military personnel throughout the United States. The 2014 prohibition came due to researchers lacking enough scientific data demonstrating both safety and effectiveness, especially for long-term administration.
American service members Kratom consumption rates began to rise after the drug’s popularity exploded in the country. The concerns about both the physical and mental readiness of troops intensified when this banishment took effect.
The Department of Defense established an immediate prohibition against Kratom consumption for its military staff.
Does the Military Test for Kratom?
No. Currently, the U.S. military does not perform specific tests for Kratom as part of its standard drug screening procedures.
The screening method identifies items that could degrade service members’ operational capability. The key controlled substances screened include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Amphetamines
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
- Barbiturates
In 2017, military authorities declared 2017 their plans to perform drug testing protocols for active service personnel. The laboratory testing protocol evolved to include 26 drugs in its analysis without including Kratom among them.
Does Kratom Show Up in a Drug Test?
The detection of kratom as a drug triggers numerous inquiries from users regarding drug testing results. The answer depends on the type of test being used.
1. Standard Drug Tests
Standard drug testing procedures, represented by 5- and 10-panel examinations employed by military institutions and private businesses, do not detect the presence of kratom.
Drug test screenings that contain marijuana, cocaine, and opiates do not include kratom or its alkaloids.
2. Specialized Kratom Tests
Due to kratom not being tested during standard drug screens, specialized labs exist to confirm its presence. The main drugs that drug tests analyze in kratom consist of its primary alkaloids, known as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
The tests that detect kratom are only administered when a specific reason exists to support kratom usage.
3. Detection Window
Several aspects of kratom detection determination include dosage amounts and frequency of use, combined with metabolism rates in an individual.
Urinary kratom alkaloid detection lasts approximately five to seven days following use, according to general estimations. Part of the detection window is a blood test, which lasts from 24 hours to 48 hours.
Is Kratom Banned in the Military?
Yes, the military banned Kratom consumption several years ago. The military made an official statement declaring Kratom unhealthy for both the health and performance capabilities of military personnel.
Military prohibition of Kratom exists because its alkaloid compounds activate opioid stimulant effects that interfere with essential soldier operational functions.
Although Kratom does not belong to the list of controlled substances, the military made it illegal to protect soldiers from medical risks.
The prohibition against Kratom continues because of its potential risks for dependency and addiction, along with misuse at high-concentration doses.
Despite not appearing in standard military drug tests, its military prosecution can still result in prosecution when soldiers are caught with it.
Why the Military Cares About Kratom?
Millions of American people have begun taking Kratom for medical benefits. People generally state that their performance peaks when they use Kratom throughout their regular day.
Military operations require a different perspective regarding this substance. The military has a different point of view on Kratom for a few key reasons:
1. Psychoactive effects
Users generally notice that Kratom produces changing psychoactive effects based on which dosage they take.
The military asserts that exposures to Kratom influence mental capabilities while reducing physical capabilities, thus causing the DoD to oppose its use.
2. Lack of regulation and quality control
The FDA does not manage Kratom; therefore, quality control standards do not exist. The military expresses concern about multiple risks, including contamination and irregular doses of Kratom, as well as undesired impurities, since the FDA does not regulate the substance.
3. Potential for abuse
The US Military believes that Kratom usage, particularly when consumed daily in large portions, produces dependency along with inappropriate use and addiction problems that damage both military personnel and their squad members.
4. Violation of military laws
A few years ago, the DoD implemented a total ban on Kratom to support military personnel who should remain healthy and maintain regulatory compliance. The military rules and principles forbid the presence of Kratom throughout its operations.
Alternatives to Kratom for Service Members
For service members seeking natural remedies for pain, stress, or fatigue, several alternatives to kratom are generally considered safer and more acceptable in military settings:
1. Exercise and Physical Therapy
Regular exercise and physical therapy can help manage pain and improve overall well-being without the need for supplements or medications.
2. Mindfulness and Meditation
The effectiveness of mindfulness meditation as a stress reduction and attention enhancement practice makes it a valuable resource for military personnel.
Final Thoughts
The military does not assess kratom through its regular drug screenings, yet it retains a negative stance on kratom use, including prohibitions against it in select branches.
Those serving in the military must understand all risks linked to kratom usage because of both side effects and dependency formation, and the impact on preparedness and readiness.
Consultation with medical professionals, together with a review of branch policies, has become essential when service members consider kratom usage.
Learning both rules and risks will allow you to make strategic health_advanced_ career decisions.
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