The daily routines of the military are grueling as they involve intense physical exercises, long training hours, and stress when maintaining high readiness and alertness levels. These efforts demand significant energy, optimism, a balanced mental state, and resilience that some service members struggle to manage. Kratom is a magical botanical that can fix them and enhance their everyday performance and well-being.
But the real question is, can you take Kratom in the military? Does the military test for Kratom in 2025? The use of Kratom in the military is a matter of controversy. Learn more about Kratom use and drug tests in the military to help you make informed decisions.
Is Kratom Allowed in the Military?
Kratom consumption is not allowed in the U.S. military. The Department of Defense (DoD) made it clear that Kratom was banned for military use. This happened as a result of the Food and Drug Administration’s disapproval of Kratom due to its unregulated status, safety concerns, and potential for misuse.
The military prioritizes soldiers’ optimal health, well-being, and operational readiness. It claims that Kratom can cloud their judgment or impair their performance due to its psychoactive nature. So you might face legal consequences if found using Kratom or caught with it within the military vicinity.
Is Kratom Legal for Military Personnel?
Kratom is illegal for military personnel in the United States. It became prohibited in 2014 due to insufficient scientific research on its efficacy and safety, especially in long-term use. After Kratom’s popularity surged in America, the military started to notice an increase in its consumption among service members. This raised serious concerns about its benefits and effects on the physical and mental preparedness of the troops. The DoD took swift action to ban Kratom use by military personnel.
Does the Military Test for Kratom?
No. The standard drug screening carried out in the U.S. military does not specifically test for Kratom. The test mainly targets substances that can comprise the optimal performance of the service members. The key controlled substances screened include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Amphetamines
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
- Barbiturates
The military in 2017 announced that they would be testing active military personnel for various drugs. The number of drugs tested increased to 26, but Kratom did not feature in the list.
Does Kratom Show Up on a Military Drug Test?
Kratom will not show up on a military drug test since it is not included in routine drug testing. But do not get your hopes high if you are a service member and use Kratom products secretly. The botanical contains active compounds such as Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine that interact with opioid receptors in the brain.
Plus, the military medical team could test for Kratom without you being aware. The best approach is to check with your military branch rules and regulations regarding testing before using Kratom. This includes telling the testing panel about all the medications and supplements you use in order to stay out of trouble.
Military Drug Test Policies on Kratom (2025 Update)
The U.S. military still maintains a strict policy that prohibits Kratom consumption. The botanical might be legal in most states, but the military chose a different route due to concerns about its safety and psychoactive properties that could compromise soldiers’ physical and cognitive performance. So, you could face disciplinary actions such as demotion or discharge because Kratom violates military regulations.
The research on Kratom’s mechanism of action and benefits is still ongoing. Perhaps this is why it is not included in the DoD standard drug testing. However, laws can change, and the military could find a way to test this substance or allow its use freely.
Does the Army Test for Kratom?
Kratom is not a controlled substance under federal law, so the army does not test it. But there are certain circumstances where Kratom can be subject to testing even if it is not part of the drug screening. If there is a reasonable suspicion regarding unusual behavior or underperformance linked to Kratom use, the commander can request its screening. You might also cause an incident or accident that suggests substance use, which might trigger further drug testing. Additional drug screening is more accurate since it tests a wide range of substances, and unfortunately, Kratom might be detected.
Why Kratom Use is Controversial in the Military
Millions of Americans use Kratom for various reasons. Most people claim that they function optimally whenever Kratom is part of their daily regimen. But when it comes to the military, the narrative changes. The military has a different point of view on Kratom for a few key reasons:
- Psychoactive effects – Most users report that Kratom delivers varying psychoactive properties at different doses. The military claims that these effects can impair the soldiers’ cognitive and physical performance, which is why the DoD is against Kratom.
- Lack of regulation and quality control – The FDA does not regulate Kratom, meaning there is no quality control. So there are high chances of contamination, inconsistent Kratom dosing, impurities presence, and other risks that the military fears.
- Potential for abuse – The military declares that the use of Kratom, especially daily at large serving sizes, can lead to dependency, misuse, and addiction, which can negatively affect both the soldiers and their unit.
- Violation of military laws – The DoD banned Kratom consumption a few years ago to ensure service members are in good shape and compliance with its regulations. Kratom’s presence in the military violates its rules and principles.
Is Kratom Banned in the Military?
Yes, the military banned Kratom consumption several years ago. It declared that the substance poses health and performance issues to service members. Kratom contains alkaloids that produce stimulant opioid-like effects that can impair the optimal functioning of soldiers, which is critical for military personnel. Kratom is not classified as a controlled substance, but the military chose to illegalize it to protect the well-being and welfare of soldiers.
Kratom’s potential for dependency, addiction, and misuse, especially at high serving amounts, further fuels the prohibition. Even though it is not tested in the military standard drug screening, any soldier who is caught with it or tests positive can be prosecuted.
Kratom’s Legal Status in the U.S. and Its Impact on the Military
Kratom is federally legal in the United States, but things are a little confusing on a state level. Every state can dictate its own rules to regulate the substance. Some states like Florida, New York, and California decided to adopt federal Kratom laws and legalized it but under certain limits. A few states chose to ban Kratom possession and use due to health issues associated with it. They followed the directive of the FDA – It claimed Kratom poses potential risks such as abuse and addiction.
The mixed federal and state Kratom laws, as well as health concerns, triggered the military to ban Kratom in 2014. And it has not changed its decision despite the evolving Kratom regulations. The military expects its service members to be 100% maximally performing physically and mentally, and Kratom seems to affect that.
Learn more about Kratom legality in 2025.
Risks of Using Kratom While Serving in the Military
The military has its own views and beliefs when it comes to Kratom’s benefits and effects. It sees the botanical as a threat to the soldiers’ well-being and overall productivity. What are some of the risks you can face when using Kratom while in the military?
- Defiance of military drug policies – The U.S. military has strict drug policies. The DoD banned Kratom because its effects negatively affect soldiers’ readiness. Using Kratom while in the military is a violation of their laws, and this can risk your career.
- Impaired performance – Kratom produces varying properties at different doses, such as uplifted energy, increased alertness, and sedation. The military argues that these effects can impair soldiers’ performance in terms of decision-making, coordination, and reaction time, especially during life-or-death situations.
- Safety concerns due to unregulated industry – Kratom is not regulated in the United States, so there are high chances of encountering low-quality contaminated products that can harm the service members.
- Potential for addiction and dependency – The DoD claims that the opioid-like properties of Kratom can make service members susceptible to misuse and addiction when used frequently or in large serving sizes for a long time.
How Military Drug Tests Detect Substances
The military uses a variety of techniques to test drugs, focusing on substances that can impair soldiers’ ability to execute their duties effectively. The DoD primarily uses urine testing because it is cost-effective, non-invasive, and capable of detecting various drugs used recently.
The military does not include Kratom during urine testing thus it will not show up. Specialized urine tests can detect Kratom alkaloids such as Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine. This can be performed when a soldier is suspected of using Kratom. Other screening methods, like blood test, hair test, and saliva test might be carried out under specific circumstances, such as command-directed or post-accident testing. These advanced drug tests can detect Kratom metabolites.
Kratom Alternatives for Military Personnel
Military soldiers toil a lot to keep the country safe and secure. They are required to maintain optimal health for peak performance. Premium Kratom products from Kats Botanicals is one of the best botanicals to keep their well-being elevated always. But since the DOD prohibits it, here are other supplements and activities allowed in the military:
- Modafinil – Used as a cognitive enhancer to help soldiers stay focused and maintain optimal performance.
- Caffeine – Used as a stimulant to boost energy, enhance alertness, and fight fatigue.
- Prescribed pain relievers – Soldiers with severe discomfort use pain relievers such as opioids and muscle relaxants under medical supervision.
- Over-the-counter meds – OTC meds like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are used to manage pain and inflammation.
- Performance-enhancing substances – Soldiers use creatine, Ephedrine, and other performance-boosting supplements but under medical supervision.
- Melatonin – Used to manage sleep patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom in the Military
No. The military does not particularly do Kratom screening in routine tests because it is federally legal in the United States. But if the commander suspects that a soldier is using Kratom, its testing might be done, and a service member might face disciplinary actions. The safest way to avoid trouble is to avoid using it.
No. Kratom use and possession are not allowed in the U.S. military. Its consumption is prohibited due to potential risks such as impaired judgment and performance. This is because Kratom produces opioid-like effects that the DoD opposes. Given the varying laws in various states, the soldiers are strongly advised to avoid using Kratom and remain in compliance with the military code of conduct.
No. The army does not test for Kratom. This is because Kratom is not a controlled substance, and it does not include it in the list of its standard drug tests. The army adheres to the rules set forth by the Uniform Code of Military Justice that prohibits Kratom use and any other substances that can compromise the health and performance of the service members.
The military did not explicitly ban Kratom, but its use is discouraged due to health and safety concerns. Some military commands or branches in various states might have additional laws or restrictions surrounding Kratom and may charge soldiers caught using it differently. Be sure to confirm the drug screening rules in your unit to be safe if you happen to doubt yourself after Kratom use.
No. Kratom does not show up on military routine standard drug screening. It specifically tests for substances such as marijuana, opiates, cocaine, and amphetamines. Only specialized drug testing might detect Kratom, though these are performed under specific circumstances. If you love your military career and are proud to serve your country, stay away from Kratom use.
Learn more about Kratom and drug tests here.