Drug Testing by Employers: List Of Companies That Do & Don’t Drug Test In 2023 [Updated]

In the realm of employment, drug testing by employers has become a standard procedure, aimed at ensuring workplace safety and compliance with regulations. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that not all companies adhere to the same drug testing practices. 

This article explores the landscape of drug testing in the United States, specifically focusing on companies that conduct pre-employment drug testing and providing an up-to-date list of companies that don’t drug test in 2023. 

By examining these two distinct categories, we aim to offer valuable insights for job seekers and individuals seeking information on drug testing policies within different organizations. Through this exploration, readers can gain a clearer understanding of the varying approaches to drug testing among US companies.

Is It Legal To Ask To Pass Such A Test In 2023?

Pre-employment drug testing is a common practice in businesses all over the country but there are jobs that don’t drug test. For instance, Apple Careers does not drug test. However, the company has a strict intolerance to drug usage and intoxication within its premises.

Employers conduct drug tests by obtaining samples from your urine, blood, saliva or hair. Companies mostly use a 5-panel drug test that detects the following substances in your system: 

• THC
• Opiates
• PCP
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines

Most regulated businesses mandate pre-employment drug testing of all employees. However, it is not compulsory but permitted in the private sector as long as the companies abide by local and state laws.

You may also be required to take a drug test after having an accident at work. The company works with the assumption that the accident may have occurred due to intoxication. Sometimes, the company conducts drug tests if they suspect that a worker may be using drugs or is intoxicated at work.

It is legal for employers to require employees to pass a drug test and take action if they do not comply or fail the test. Sometimes, companies will conduct random drug tests among employees. If you fail the drug test you may be terminated and lose your benefits.

If you take a pre-employment drug test and fail, the company may decline your application.

The List of Companies That Drug Test In 2023

• Walmart

How often does Walmart drug test? The Walmart’s policy is intolerant to drugs, so they conduct drug testing while post-offer hiring process or prior to accepting certain positions, and also in case of reasonable suspicion or injury at work.

Type of drug testing: 5-panel urine drug test.

• Walgreens

How often does Walgreens drug test? The company not only conducts pre-employment drug tests but they will also conduct a random Walgreens drug test when they suspect an employee of using drugs.

Type of drug testing: 5-panel saliva or urine drug test.

• Aldi

How often does Aldi drug test employees? You will be required to submit samples at a separate location from the interview place. Only candidates who pass the drug test get called back for jobs at Aldi‘s.

Type of testing: saliva or urine drug test depending on the laboratory chosen.

• Lowe’s

How often does Lowe’s drug test employees? Lowes tests new recruits and also when an accident occurs within their premises.

Type of testing: Mouth swab drug test.

• Home Depot

How often does Home Depot drug test? They conduct pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug tests.

Type of drug testing: the 10-panel drug test (mouth swab or urine).

List of companies that don’t drug test in 2023

If you are wondering “Does Starbucks drug test?” or if you need to pass a Target drug test then here is your answer. The following are companies that don’t drug test their employees or their candidates before employment.

• Starbucks

The company doesn’t implement drug testing as part of their hiring process, so you can rest assured. Starbucks prioritizes creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, focusing more on an individual’s skills, qualifications, and potential contributions to their team. The hiring process at Starbucks involves assessing candidates based on their experience, values, and alignment with the company’s culture.

• Target

 A renowned retail giant does not require candidates to undergo drug testing as a prerequisite for employment. Target places emphasis on the skills and abilities of applicants, valuing diversity and inclusivity in their workforce. Their hiring process typically involves interviews, assessments, and background checks to determine a candidate’s suitability for the desired position.

• Dollar Tree

Known for its budget-friendly retail offerings company, adopts a policy of not conducting drug tests for their employees or potential hires. Instead, they prioritize ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all employees. The hiring process at Dollar Tree often includes interviews and assessments focused on evaluating a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and alignment with the company’s values.

• Amazon

A global e-commerce giant does not administer drug tests to job applicants. Instead, they focus on assessing candidates based on their skills, experience, and potential for growth within the organization. The hiring process at Amazon involves various stages, including interviews, assessments, and background checks, enabling them to select candidates who align with their organizational objectives. However, it is important to mention that Amazon drug tests those who want to join Amazon Pharmacy and those who apply for a delivery man position (drivers will have to pass a DOT drug test).

• Wholefoods

A prominent grocery chain, also does not require drug testing during their hiring process. Wholefoods places emphasis on finding candidates who are passionate about food, sustainability, and customer service. Their hiring process often involves interviews and assessments aimed at identifying individuals who align with the company’s core values and can contribute positively to their team and customer experience.

• Trader Joe’s

A beloved neighborhood grocery store, does not conduct drug tests as part of their hiring process. Instead, they prioritize finding individuals who are enthusiastic about their unique brand and customer-focused approach. The hiring process at Trader Joe’s usually includes interviews and assessments to evaluate a candidate’s qualifications, interpersonal skills, and alignment with the company’s values of integrity, respect, and exceptional service.

So, if you were curious and looking for answers to questions like does target drug test or wondering if you have to take a dollar tree drug test before getting a job then the simple answer is NO.

Statistics

Drug testing in the workplace is slowly but surely fading away and it is only a small percentage of companies that still do it. According to a recent study, there are fewer than 2% of jobs that demand drug tests prior to hiring. In reality, there is just one American city where the employment rate is higher than 2.4%.

What Can Cause A False Positive Result On A Drug Test?

A false positive occurs when you test positive for a drug you did not take. According to some studies, 5 to 10% of tests may produce false positives. These instances can be attributed to various factors. Methamphetamine and amphetamine traces are frequently detected in false-positive drug testing. This is because a lot of over-the-counter medicines always lead to false-positive results for these substances. These may include some antidepressants, some cough medicines, ADHD medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), mouthwash, poppy seeds, some antibiotics like Quinolone and Rifampin, Anti-Inflammatory Medication such as Ultram and Tramadol, Antihistamines including Benadryl, Tylenol PM, Advil PM, HIV medication like Sustiva (Efavirenz), and antipsychotic drugs such as Quetiapine and Chlorpromazine. There are several other prescription medications that can lead to a false-positive drug test.

There is no sure way of knowing which kind of jobs conduct drug tests but there are some that are more likely to do it than others. Most jobs that concern public safety are more likely to drug test. Positions in the following fields may need you to take a pre-employment and take a test in certain circumstances:

1. Government
2. Private security
3. Construction
4. Aerospace and defense
5. Hospitals and health care
6. Education
7. Information technology

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has clear guidelines for positions that warrant drug testing. They include:

1. Law enforcement
2. Political appointees
3. Employees authorized to use of firearms
4. Transportation/railroad/aviation personnel
5. Heads of agencies
6. Employees who are authorized to access confidential files and information
7. Workers who assist drug addicts in rehabilitation

There are jobs that are not listed as testing roles but you may still be required to take a drug test to ensure that critical duties are not carried out while under the influence. They include:

1. Firefighters
2. Social workers
3. Pharmacists
4. Health care workers

Relevant News

In certain instances, such as the Rose v. Berry Plastics case, a worker may receive compensation from the employer following a positive drug test. The court ruled that his employer should cover the costs of his medical treatment and give him temporary disability benefits. Even after appealing with the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission, the court upheld its ruling that Rose was eligible for compensation because there was no evidence to disapprove his claims about the circumstances of the accident.

In this case, the company, Berry Plastics, argued that Mr. Rose tested positive for marijuana and morphine after the accident. He was, therefore, ineligible for post-accident compensation. However, according to The Oklahoma Review, the court sided with Dillion Rose by stating that marijuana use did not cause the accident after Rose admitted to smoking marijuana the previous night. They maintained that the presence of traces of marijuana in his system did not indicate that he was intoxicated at the time of the incident. A supervisor and manager also testified that they did not witness any indication that Rose was intoxicated when they interacted with him before the accident.

Dillion Rose’s left hand was caught up in a ‘guillotine-like’ machine and was completely crushed. The machine was off when he put his dipped his hand to retrieve a piece of plastic stuck inside. The injury occurred when a coworker switched on the machine roller. Even though he knew that sticking his hand in the machine was risky, Rose stated that he was of clear mind when he decided to retrieve the plastic stuck in the machine. After testimonies from a manager, the court ruled that there was no connection between Rose’s marijuana use from the previous night and the injury.

Takeaways

Some chain stores and other companies in the private sector may conduct drug tests but this may only apply to some positions. It is best to find out about the drug policy at your company of interest before applying and take the necessary precautions to avoid a positive result.