March 12, 2025
7-OH Kratom and Drug Testing: What You Need to Know in 2025
As 7-OH kratom continues to rise in popularity, many users—especially those subject to routine employment screening—are asking:
“Will 7-Hydroxy Mitragynine show up on a drug test?”
The short answer: It depends.
Let’s break down how drug tests work, what’s currently detected, and what 7-OH users should be aware of in 2025.
🧬 What Is 7-Hydroxy Mitragynine (7-OH)?
7-OH is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in kratom, known for its high potency and fast-acting pain relief and sedation.
-
It's a metabolite of Mitragynine, which is the main alkaloid in most kratom strains.
-
Most commercial 7-OH products are extracts or enhanced blends.
Because of its potency, it's a common target for regulatory and toxicology research—but not yet standard in most drug tests.
🔬 Does 7-OH Show Up on Standard Drug Tests?
Test Type | Detects 7-OH? | Notes |
---|---|---|
5-Panel (standard) | ❌ No | Does not test for kratom or its alkaloids |
10-Panel | ❌ No | Still does not include Mitragynine or 7-OH |
Extended Panels / Specialized | ⚠️ Sometimes | Only if specifically ordered or part of a legal case |
Military / Probation Tests | ✅ Rare but possible | Custom tests may detect kratom metabolites |
LC-MS/MS Lab Testing | ✅ Yes | Can detect 7-OH and its metabolites if targeted |
Important: 7-OH is not an opioid, but it can activate opioid receptors. However, it will not trigger a positive result for opioids on traditional immunoassay tests.
🧠 Why Employers Typically Don’t Test for 7-OH (Yet)
-
Kratom is legal at the federal level, though some states have restrictions
-
It’s not a controlled substance in most of the U.S.
-
Alkaloid-specific tests are expensive and rarely used
Most employers focus on federally controlled substances like:
-
THC
-
Cocaine
-
Opiates
-
Benzodiazepines
-
Amphetamines
That said, some industries (DOT, healthcare, military) may use more advanced testing methods that could catch 7-OH if specifically requested.
🚨 Situations Where 7-OH Might Be Detected
-
Legal cases involving driving under the influence
-
Court-ordered rehab or drug diversion programs
-
Military testing policies (e.g., Navy and Air Force have moved to ban kratom use)
-
Probation/parole testing in states where kratom is illegal
In these cases, labs may test for Mitragynine and 7-OH using LC-MS/MS techniques.
✅ How to Protect Yourself if You're a 7-OH User
-
Know your state's kratom laws (check our Legality by State page)
-
Ask your employer or HR rep what substances are tested
-
Review COAs and batch details before using any 7-OH product
-
Disclose supplement use only when legally required or medically necessary
⏱️ Detection Time for 7-OH Kratom
There isn’t yet a standardized window for 7-OH detection, but reports suggest:
Test Type | Detection Window |
---|---|
Urine | 1–5 days (depending on dose and frequency) |
Blood | 6–12 hours |
Saliva | Not commonly used for kratom |
Hair | Possible but rare; up to 90 days if tested |
Keep in mind that 7-OH breaks down into several minor metabolites, which may linger slightly longer than Mitragynine in high doses.
🗺️ States Where Kratom Testing Is More Likely
These states either restrict or ban kratom, so 7-OH testing may be used in legal or employer contexts:
-
Wisconsin
-
Indiana
-
Vermont
-
Rhode Island
-
Alabama
-
Arkansas
Additionally, some local bans in California, Colorado, and Mississippi may increase the risk of targeted testing.
📢 Final Verdict: Will 7-OH Make You Fail a Drug Test?
Situation | Risk Level |
---|---|
General employment screen | ✅ Low Risk |
Healthcare/DOT testing | ⚠️ Medium Risk |
Military or probation | ❌ High Risk |
Court-ordered testing | ❌ High Risk |
Unless you're in a tightly regulated field, most 7-OH kratom products won’t trigger a drug test failure. But as kratom regulation evolves, we could see this change by 2026.