Does Walmart Have A Pre Employment Drug Test?
In short, yes. They do have a pre-employment drug test. However, this is not done for all departments. Read on to figure out which.
If you are applying for a job at Walmart, and you're reading this article, you probably want the definitive answer to if you are going to be tested.
Pre-employment drug test and random drug testing does happen at Walmart, but not all employees are required to do these. For example; Does Walmart drug test new employees? What exactly is Walmarts drug testing policy?
There are only a few departments that are required, and this seems to vary from store to store. I will not be able to definitively give all of you an answer, but I hope I can provide adequate info for those to who random drug testing applies.
FOR A FULL IDEA OF WHEN YOU CAN BE TESTED, READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE.
What is a Drug Screening?
A drug screening is a form of drug test schools, employers, and various organizations do to identify drug users. Depending on the acceptability of your occupation, the results of a drug screen could either be termination or other forms of consequences.
It may be rehabilitation or a clean voluntary drug test for X amount of time.
Planned or random drug tests like these are often used as a preventative measure of taking drugs either at or off work.
Drug tests are usually non-invasive, like a urine test, hair follicle test, and saliva test, but they can be done with bloodwork as well.
From what I could gather, the Walmart drug test is a DOT drug test. These tests screen for
Marijuana
Amphetamines
Cocaine
Phencyclidine
And opioids
Read more about the DOT drug test HERE.
Does Walmart Drug Test Employees for Marijuana?
Yes. Unlike Amazon, Walmart still actively drug tests and reserves its right to terminate you for marijuana use. This seems to be in the process of changing. Marijuana drug tests will likely come to an end.
What if Weed is Legal in my State?
They can still fire you. A recent situation where an employee was terminated after testing positive for marijuana in a legal state. After a profoundly long legal battle, they were terminated.
What if I use Medical Marijuana?
You can still be fired, but this seems like it is up to your employer's discretion. There have been cases where Walmart employees have been fired at a judge's decision. And opposite.
Which Positions Do Walmart Drug Test?
So? Does walmart drug test new hires?
In short, all entry-level positions will not be subject to drug tests pre-employment or random drug tests post-employment.
Cashiers, (only) floor workers, simple customer service, and so on will most likely not be drug tested.
There are also various sources that claim many Walmart locations do not test seasonal workers around the holidays.
The departments that do conduct pre-employment drug testing and random drug tests are
The deli department
The pharmacy department
The sporting goods department
The auto center department
ANY position concerning firearms
And management positions.
Does Walmart Drug Test at the Interview?
NO. You will not have to drug test at Walmart or wherever the interview takes place. Typically, they will ask you to visit a drug testing center close to you and have them send your results. Often times they will require it to be done within twenty-four hours.
When Can They Demand A Random Drug Test?
Most employers who do random tests typically like to drug test approximately once a quarter. However, various sources tell me that Walmart typically will do a random test if they feel one is warranted.
So-called suspicion testing. There are laws surrounding this. Read more about them HERE.
There is also no limit on the frequency these tests can be administered.
If I Decline A Random Drug Testing
If you decline to take a drug test, which is your right as an employee, Walmart has the authority to consider it as a positive test and can terminate your employment.
When Can They Demand Drug Tests?
As stated previously, they can demand drug tests at interviews for certain positions. However, they can also drug test after workplace accidents or incidents to ensure you were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you were not, you might be eligible for workers' compensation. Post-accident testing does happen.
If I Decline A Drug Test?
If you decline to take a drug test, which is your right as an employee, Walmart has the authority to consider it as a positive test and can terminate your employment.
Could I Cheat on a Walmart Drug Test?
There are methods of cheating drug tests. They rarely work as drug tests have become better. A false positive test case is also rare nowadays, but they still happen.
Urine testing is accurate about 95-99% of the time.
For marijuana:
THC-COOH will show up on urine drug tests with these timeframes. Also known as the detection window or detection period.
Approx. 3 days for occasional users
Approx. 5-7 days for moderate users
Approx. 10-15 days for chronic users
Approx. 30 days for chronic heavy users
A urine drug test will try to detect a THC metabolism product known as THC-COOH. The best tests test for this byproduct because it stays in your system the longest.
Suppose you want to apply for a Walmart position but fear failing a drug test. Get clean, use one of Walmart's drug tests, get negative drug test results and apply.
Conclusion
Walmart is the world's largest private employer. They have over 2.2 million employees, 1.5 in the US alone. This leads to a strict and non-negotiable drug policy.
Illegal substances (illicit substances) will likely lead to termination. They strive towards a drug-free workplace, and because of the competitive labor market, they tend to hire drug-free people.
Walmart does conduct random drug tests and has done this for a long time. However, it is noteworthy to say this happens less and less and is usually in compliance with federal law.
Walmart does drug tests for marijuana. Medical or not, you may still be terminated.