By Matt Barnes, Regional Director of Sales
The growth of emerging industries like cannabis and hemp highlight third-party lab testing as a key element to ensuring the quality and safety of all consumable products. Third-party testing offers peace of mind for consumers, confirming the specific compounds found within a product and the absence of harmful toxins through independent verification.
As the kratom industry grows, the need for rigorous, high-quality testing has never been more critical. Without standardized testing and transparency, kratom brands risk undermining consumer trust, facing increased regulatory scrutiny, and harming public health. For producers, now is the time to implement robust quality assurance protocols—not just to comply with the possibility of future regulations, but to lead the industry forward.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is derived from the leaves of a tropical tree, Mitragyna speciosa, native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, people have consumed its leaves for a variety of traditional and functional purposes, from promoting energy and focus to supporting relaxation and relief.
Kratom first hit the U.S. market in the 2000s, and since then, millions of Americans have incorporated these products into their everyday routines. Today’s consumers are discovering many of the same benefits people have embraced throughout history, including kratom’s caffeine-like boost of energy, potential to relieve pain and tension, and its reported ability to ease opiate withdrawal and serve as an alternative to alcohol.
How is Kratom Different from Cannabis and Hemp?
Cannabis products come from cannabis plants, containing more than 0.3% THC, while hemp products utilize hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC, as defined by federal law and the 2018 Farm Bill.
Like cannabis and hemp, kratom products are derived from plant matter, though Mitragyna speciosa belongs to an entirely different botanical family. Cannabinoid testing focuses on compounds like THC and CBD, which aren’t found in kratom.
When it comes to uses and benefits, we see some overlap between kratom, cannabis, and hemp. Kratom and its compounds bind to serotonin and dopamine receptors, which results in specific effects on the brain and body. Similarly, THC causes increased dopamine release, while ongoing research finds that THC and CBD have unique relationships with serotonin as well.
There are also some similarities when it comes to kratom’s effects. Consumers have embraced kratom’s more subtle, energetic benefits at smaller doses, while others find relief with the relaxing, body-heavy benefits that come from higher doses.
Why Test Kratom?
Kratom contains powerful alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), that are responsible for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. Just as potency, terpene profiling, and contaminant testing provide essential metrics in cannabis and hemp, quantifying alkaloid levels in kratom products is vital for product labeling, differentiation, and a consistent consumer experience.
Beyond quantifying alkaloid levels, the risks of heavy metal and microbial contaminants pose real dangers to consumers and to the credibility of responsible kratom manufacturers.
Kratom consumers are looking for consistency in the products they use. Third-party lab testing helps brands provide a consistent consumer experience while prioritizing consumer safety and instilling trust by delivering the same dose and experience every time.
Is Testing Required for Kratom Products?
There are currently no state or federal regulations around testing for kratom, but it’s only a matter of time before the kratom industry faces regulatory oversight like that of the cannabis and hemp industries. Incorporating third-party lab testing now not only helps kratom producers stand out in the current market but also adequately prepares them for the road ahead.
The progression of the hemp industry offers some insights when it comes to the future of kratom regulations. The Food and Drug Administration is currently working to establish clearer and more comprehensive regulations for the hemp industry nationally. As we wait for additional federal guidance, states like Florida and New York are implementing and enforcing compliance programs for hemp operators in their states.
Legislators across the country are beginning to push kratom regulation legislation, like a 2025 Colorado bill that seeks to regulate kratom in a similar way to tobacco. While ACT LAB’s kratom testing currently screens for six common alkaloids, we are ready for any future regulations on kratom testing as they arise.
The Risks of Not Testing Kratom
As the kratom industry grows, the absence of standardized testing protocols can pose serious risks—not just to consumers, but to the businesses behind the products. Without quality third-party lab testing, companies open themselves up to significant safety, legal, and financial liabilities.
Key Risks of Not Testing Kratom Products:
- Inaccurate Potency: Variability in alkaloid levels can lead to inconsistent effects for consumers.
- Contamination: Risk of heavy metals, pesticides, pathogens, and residual solvents.
- Product Liability Exposure: Untested products increase the risk of lawsuits related to consumer harm or mislabeling.
- Consumer Recall Risk: Without documented testing, there’s no safety net if a batch must be recalled, risking financial and brand damage.
How Does ACT LAB’s Kratom Testing Work?
ACT LAB provides scientific expertise and industry insights for the growing kratom market. To ensure accurate labeling and product consistency, kratom testing measures a full panel of alkaloids including:
- Mitragynine
- 7-OH mitragynine
- Paynantheine
- Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl
- Speciogynine
- Speciociliatine
Kratom testing can also detect heavy metals, microbes, and screens for common adulterants. ACT LAB works closely with our customers to develop tailored testing protocols, improve internal QA processes, and stay compliant with emerging state and federal guidelines.
Kratom testing aligns with the cannabinoid testing we perform in our hemp and cannabis lab, utilizing similar protocols and instrumentation. We use High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection (HPLC-UV), which is calibrated using certified reference standards for accuracy and reliability.
While third-party testing options for kratom products are still limited, ACT LAB is using our experience as a multi-state cannabis and hemp testing provider to take a proactive move in support of the kratom industry.
Currently, kratom powders, tinctures, and capsules can be submitted to ACT LAB for testing. While we conduct all kratom testing at our Florida lab, we take samples from anywhere in the U.S.
A Smarter Path Forward for Kratom
For the kratom market to thrive, the industry must center around consumer confidence and trust. By testing with a quality third-party lab like ACT LAB, kratom brands can ensure customer safety, future-proof their businesses, and protect the reputation of the entire kratom industry.
If you’re ready to work with ACT LAB to create a more transparent, safe, and flourishing kratom industry, reach out to connect with kratom testing specialist today.
