Does Amazon Drug Test Its Staff In 2023 [Updated]

Published on: 26.09.2022
Updated: 26.06.2023

Drug testing is a big part of meeting that criteria – and you may want to know, does Amazon drug test its staff in 2023? What has changed in Amazon’s drug testing policy in 2023? And we have an answer for you.

Amazon is a great company that employs thousands of people, provides a good living wage, and has good benefits. Amazon’s average wage is a respectable $18 per hour. You can work a flexible schedule with night and weekend hours if you need to. And their benefits include long paternity leave and good insurance, which is more than most other companies offer. Overall, it’s a company many people would love to work for.

Does Amazon Drug Test New Hires?

If you’re applying for a job at Amazon, you might need to pass a mouth swab drug test as part of the hiring process by 2023. But now it is likely that you won’t pass a drug test for weed. Recently,  It was announced that Amazon Warehouse won’t drug test their employees for THC. Here is what they posted on their official website in June 2023:

In June 2021, we announced that Amazon would exclude marijuana from our comprehensive pre-employment drug screening program for unregulated positions (e.g., positions not regulated by the Department of Transportation), and those not within Amazon Air. We also reinstated the employment eligibility for former employees and applicants who were previously terminated or deferred during random or pre-employment marijuana screenings.

Their new drug testing policy makes it much to join their team of employees. But it is important to take into consideration that if you want to deliver (which implies driving at work), you will have to pass regular drug tests required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). According to the announcement mentioned above, those people who want to get hired by Amazon Pharmacy will also have to pass a drug test:

We remain committed to the safety of our employees and the general public. In addition to following all Department of Transportation regulations, our policy on zero tolerance for impairment while working has not changed. If a delivery associate is impaired at work and tests positive post-accident or due to reasonable suspicion, that person would no longer be permitted to perform services for Amazon. In addition, Amazon Pharmacy conducts comprehensive drug testing for employees, including screenings for marijuana, to ensure full compliance with industry standards, regulations, and accreditation.

That is why, it’s still essential to abstain from drugs for a few days beforehand. You can also use a high-quality mouthwash like Toxin Rid Rescue Mouthwash, which can help flush out any lingering drug traces in your saliva. And if you are about to pass a DOT drug test, you will have to be prepared for the urine drug test (read our article to get ready for this type of test).

Amazon Drug Test Policy

According to My Job Search, Amazon has recently been disregarding positive drug tests for marijuana use. This move is in line with the gradual shift in societal attitudes towards cannabis and its legalization across several states in the US.

The company’s warehouse doesn’t administer drug tests for THC to new hires now.  Amazon only drug tests employees monitored by the Department of Transportation, as this sector is heavily regulated in terms of drug use.

Moreover, Amazon has supported the idea of legalizing cannabis at the national level before. They also think that certain criminal records related to cannabis should be erased and want to invest in businesses and communities affected by it. That’s why they announced that they support the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2021 (MORE Act) and the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act. Recently, they also showed their support for the States Reform Act, a bill led by Republicans that aims to make big changes and end the federal ban on cannabis.

Amazon Pre-Employment Drug Test

Types of Testing

The most common kinds of drug tests done for Amazon Pharmacy potential employees are saliva and urine tests. For a regular pre-employment screening, a quick saliva test will be used. However, if you’ve recently used drugs, you may still have traces of drugs in your saliva and fail the test. In such cases, using a high-quality mouthwash like Toxin Rid Rescue Mouthwash can help flush out any remaining drug traces and increase your chances of passing the test. For drivers, usually, a urine test is required. If you have a workplace accident, you’ll take a urine test.

Random Testing

Amazon does not require random drug tests for warehouse employees. But this may happen for those who work as a delivery person. Random drug tests are usually announced and performed on the same day, so you will not have any time to prepare. Refusing to participate in random DOT drug testing is generally treated the same as a positive test.

Testing Privacy

Amazon Pharmacy usually uses a saliva drug test. These are quick, easy ways that they can screen employees. These tests are administered by trained staff and will be supervised. The saliva drug test is performed by scrubbing a mouth swab on the inside of your cheek. You collect the sample yourself while the testing staff monitors you. The sample will be added to a test solution and sent away to a third-party testing site. The third party will then contact Amazon, letting them know what the results are. If you’re concerned about possible drug use, it’s essential to prepare for the test by abstaining from drugs and using a high-quality mouthwash like Toxin Rid Rescue Mouthwash.

If you apply to be one of Amazon’s drivers or any other job that falls under the jurisdiction of The Department of Transportation, you will be required to take a urine test. Generally, this will be a private test. You will collect your own sample with either a curtain or partial door, obscuring any view of you.

However, if you are caught tampering with a urine sample, you will be required to retest and the test will be observed. Tampering with the sample includes replacing urine with synthetic urine or someone else’s urine, or adding anything to your urine sample.

What Substances Are tested?

You may be screened with a 5-panel test that looks for:

1. THC
2. Opiates
3. PCP
4. Cocaine
5. Amphetamines.

Another possibility is the use of a 12-panel drug test. The test looks for:

1. Cocaine
2. Cannabis
3.  PCP
4.  Amphetamines
5. Opiates
6.  Benzodiazepines
7.  Barbiturates
8.  Methadone
9. Propoxyphene
10.  Quaaludes
11.  Ecstasy/MDA,
12. Oxycodone/Percocet.

Before you complete a drug screening, it is safer to assume you will be tested using the 12-panel test. This test gives your employer a lot more information and is not much more expensive than the 5-panel. Amazon usually uses the 12-panel test.

Does Amazon Drug Test For Weed?

Now you know that Amazon drug tests their employees, and what kinds of tests they usually use, but does Amazon drug test for THC in 2022-2023?

While Amazon has traditionally tested for a wide variety of substances, including marijuana, recent reports suggest that they may be changing their approach. In some cases, Amazon has reportedly begun disregarding positive drug tests that come back positive for marijuana use.

It’s important to note, however, that this change in policy may not apply to all Amazon employees. Currently, the company is only drug-testing employees who are monitored by the Department of Transportation. This means that employees who work in roles that do not require CDL licenses or other DOT-regulated certifications may not be drug-tested at all.

Furthermore, even if Amazon does continue to test for marijuana in some cases, it’s worth mentioning that the substance is becoming increasingly accepted in many parts of the country. According to Gallup poll, 68% of Americans now support legalizing marijuana.

Of course, if you’re applying for a job at Amazon, it’s still important to be aware of the company’s drug testing policies. As a private employer, Amazon has the right to test employees for a wide variety of substances, and refusing a drug test could have serious consequences.

Do you have a reason to be anxious before a drug test? If you have at least 1 hour, try detox pills. If you have no time at all, replace your urine with Powdered Urine.

Failing a Test

Failing a drug test does not mean that you can not dispute your false positive drug test result. If you fail your test because of opioids or benzodiazepines, a representative for the company will call and ask for a copy of your prescriptions. In case you have a current prescription for the medicines, you can be hired without a problem. Without a prescription, though, your application will be withdrawn and you won’t get the job. Testing positive for Schedule 1 substances, like PCP, means you will not be hired. If you’re concerned about the possibility of failing a drug test, using a high-quality mouthwash like Toxin Rid Rescue Mouthwash can help flush out any drug traces from your saliva and increase your chances of passing the test.

In case you file a worker’s compensation claim and fail a drug test after the accident, your claim will be denied. If you are involved in a workplace accident, you will be drug tested. You are at risk of losing your job if the company can prove that your accident was caused by your drug use. Failing a random drug test can also result in the termination of your job.

There is some good news, though. If you previously failed a marijuana test while trying to get hired at Amazon, you can reapply right away. Because they have changed their policy regarding the use of cannabis, there is no waiting period for you to reapply. If you fail a drug screen because of a different substance, you will have to wait for 120 days before you can submit a new application.

Jobs that don’t drug test 2023

If you cannot wait that long to reapply, you might want to look at companies that don’t drug test. Some of these include:

• Google
• Chipotle
• Apple
• Starbucks
• Microsoft
• Whole foods
• Michaels
• Petsmart
• Dick’s sporting goods
• Takeaway

The exception to this no-testing rule is for employees operating heavy machinery and in loss prevention.

Amazon Positions Most Often Tested

For Amazon partners, the Amazon DSP driver drug test policy depends on the partner. DSPs are independent delivery organizations that have their own rules, although Amazon encourages them not to test for THC.

Since all new employees are tested, you might wonder, “Does Amazon drug test at orientation 2023? Actually, they will test you before orientation. After you submit an application, you’ll go to an Amazon office location to fill out paperwork and be drug tested. Using a high-quality mouthwash like Toxin Rid Rescue Mouthwash can also help flush out any drug traces from your saliva and increase your chances of passing the test. After your drug test is negative (or only positive for weed), you’ll receive an orientation and training schedule.

You understand that they test every new employee, but does Amazon warehouse drug test after an accident? Yes. Amazon reserves the right to perform what they call “impairment checks” after any workplace accident. If you are in any way involved in a workplace accident, you can be tested for drugs and alcohol, and lose your job if it is determined that you were working under the influence.

Amazon random drug tests are most common among drivers and people working with heavy equipment. Occasionally, there could be an office random drug screen, but it is unlikely.

Medical Marijuana Card

With so many people asking about what Amazon drug test for, there are often a lot of questions regarding medical marijuana cards. First of all, employers cannot discriminate against you if you have a medical marijuana card. In addition, since Amazon and most of their partners are eliminating pre-employment THC screening, it does not make a difference whether you have a medical marijuana card or not.

Having a medical marijuana card does not allow you to use THC on the job or come to work under the influence. Since Amazon no longer fires employees for smoking weed or consuming edibles on their own time, it is important to maintain that trusting relationship with your employer and refrain from coming to work high.

If you cause problems at work that are suspected to be caused by drugs, you might have to take an oral drug test at Amazon, and your medical card will not protect you from discipline or termination. To increase your chances of passing an oral drug test, you can use a high-quality mouthwash like Toxin Rid Rescue Mouthwash, which can help flush out any drug traces from your saliva.

The same answer can be given when asking, does Amazon drug test delivery drivers in 2022 and 2023? If you use marijuana at home, Amazon will not fire you, whether you have a medical card or not. If you are a driver and they catch you being high on the job – you will lose your job, and maybe not only job.

Special Circumstances

During the COVID-19 epidemic, it has been extremely difficult to find, hire, and keep employees. This was one of the reasons that Amazon and other companies stopped testing for THC. Another consideration was that saliva drug tests are at high risk for transmitting COVID-19. There was a 15% decrease in drug testing between 2019 and 2020, mostly because it was so difficult to collect saliva samples safely. However, as we continue to move from pandemic to epidemic, most employers, including Amazon, are back to normal testing.

FAQs

How long does Amazon drug test take?

An Amazon drug test takes between 72 hours and 2 weeks to result. Most tests are back within three days. If you do not pass a pre-employment drug screening, you will receive an email and your application will automatically be withdrawn. If you receive an orientation and training schedule, you can assume that you passed.

Does Amazon drug test corporate employees?

Not all corporate employees at Amazon are drug tested. If Amazon has reason to suspect that a corporate employee is under the influence, they will test them. They might also test new corporate employees if their background check shows any previous drug-related crimes. If you’re concerned about a potential drug test, it’s crucial to prepare in advance. Using a high-quality mouthwash like Toxin Rid Rescue Mouthwash can help flush out any drug traces from your saliva and increase your chances of passing the test.

Conclusion

While Amazon does drug test their employees, their new policy about THC gives a lot more people an opportunity to work for their company. If you do use THC, you can apply and take your pre-employment screen without worrying. And one more: if you continue to smoke weed while employed, just make sure you are doing it safely, on your own time. Also, ensure that you have time to completely sober up before coming into work.

If you use any other illegal substances, you’ll need to clear them out of your system or detox before applying to work at Amazon. If you fail your test, you’ll have to wait 120 days before you can reapply.