Does Amazon Currently Drug Test? The Answer Might Surprise You

Updated January 22, 2024 by Kyle James
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If you’re looking to apply for a job with Amazon, you probably already know about their employee discount and job benefits but maybe you’re curious about their drug testing policy. Amazon has actually changed their drug testing policy as recently as 2021, so if you’re looking to apply for a job with the online retail giant, it’s important to understand their current policy. With that said, here’s exactly how the Amazon drug test policy works (especially how it applies to marijuana) so you can know what to expect before you apply or get hired.

Does Amazon Currently Drug Test? The Answer Might Surprise You

So…Does Amazon Drug Test?

Yes.

You can expect a mouth swab as part of the hiring process or during a random drug test after your employment has started.

Amazon has their drug tests sent to Quest Diagnostics.

Amazon tests for opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP to name a few.

But…in the vast majority of cases, Amazon NO LONGER tests for marijuana…more on that below.

See Also: Amazon Employee Discount: Here’s All You Need to Know

What If I Failed a Marijuana Test in the Past?

If you previously failed a marijuana screening, or were fired over a positive test, you are NOW eligible to apply again with Amazon.

This covers anyone who failed a drug test prior to September 2021.

Amazon has stated publicly that this policy change is in response to the country’s reform of their “cannabis policy”.

Are Any Jobs at Amazon Subject to Marijuana Test?

Yes.

Any position at Amazon that is regulated by the Department of Transportation will still be screened for marijuana, better known as THC.

The obvious positions that come to mind include truck drivers, fork lift operators, and heavy equipment operators.

You will NOT be hired if they find THC in your system.

NOTE: From an acquaintance who recently got hired at an Amazon fulfillment center, the test for THC was a mouth swab and he was told that if you rinse with mouthwash the day of your test it will come back negative.

Take this personal anecdote for what’s it worth, as it’s probably a much better idea to stop smoking weed altogether in the weeks leading up to your job search.

He was also told that if your test comes pack positive for THC, they will send if off for further testing to see the extent of the drug in your system. Apparently they can determine if you’re a heavy weed smoker or just a light user.

Do Corporate Employees Also Have to Drug Test?

No.

Currently, corporate employees at Amazon are not subject to drug tests.

But Amazon does leave the door open if they have suspicions or reasonable grounds to believe that a corporate employee is under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol.

At which point Amazon can ask the employee to perform a mouth swab drug test.

See Also: 9 Costco Employee Perks and Discounts You Need to Know

Will Amazon Drug Test After an Accident?

Yes.

Amazon reserves the right to do what they term “impairment” checks after an on-the-job accident or incident.

This includes testing for drugs and alcohol which can lead to you losing your job if you are found to be working while under the influence.

Bottom-line:

In an effort to keep their workplace as safe as possible, Amazon will continue to perform drug tests.

But as Amazon has a harder time filling some positions, they very well might become even less strict on their testing policy.

This certainly was the case with how Amazon viewed marijuana use, as many states have made weed legal in recent years.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever worked at Amazon and had to take a drug test? Was it an easy process? Am I missing any important details? Let me know in the comments, thanks.


By Kyle James

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Dede

Well I just took the DT and I recently came in contact with some Herb……..I’ll be back to share results……..fingers crossed

Dede

Amazon is the Best.

Megan

They hire you with thc in your system?

Richard

So I take it they still hired you?

Kristi Reynolds

I got tested at CHA1 Thursday Aug 4,2022. I have been with Amazon 5 years Aug 26th. I failed due to going to pain management and was walked to the door. I’m not sure if I still have a job or not. My status says suspended. Has anyone else had this problem?

Karen

I was randomly tested today. I’m in accommodation and I take Adderall and they know that. So I must have failed because I was told to clock out and wait to hear from someone. I’ve had no accidents and I work in a department that doesn’t even have a rate per hour. Waiting for more information. I do not use any other type of drugs or alcohol. Go figure.

Kally

I too was randomly tested this past Friday via a quest diagnostics urine drug test and also a alcohol testing breathalyzer. I was shocked that they started doing urine drug tests as compared to my coworker who was given three mouth swab drug tests and came up clean for all three in the past 4 weeks.

I’m still currently on paid suspension and have not yet heard a word back regarding my drug test… they claimed I would be paid for any time missed which i believe to be true but the quest lady said it shouldn’t take more than 2 days but HR said it would take up to ten…
ill update y’all when I find out whats going on with my life smh

Karen

Yup. Just happened to me with my adderall rx. Humiliated and not private at all

Karen

Oh my God. So humiliating! I felt like I was doing the walk of shame when I had to leave the building.

Tracy

Can the swap test make you sick? What if you have to take 3 tests because first 2 were faulty?

Poohmarie

I’m on my 3rd test right now smh this is ridiculous!! Its dirty not my fault it comes up inconclusive twice

Candy

Do they test big for weed?

Kally

I’m sure you have found out for yourself by now, but in the short chance you have not… Amazon officially removed Marijauna from their drug testing process, meaning wether you come up positive for it or not (or if they don’t test for it all) it does not make any difference. Amazon would hire Cheech and Chong, Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa or anyone in between because they believe that marijauna has medicinal and powerful recreational benefits.

Anyone that smokes weed could and would get hired with the small exception of transport workers (Big Rig Truck Drivers, and those that drive for amazon). transport drivers are the only ones who cannot smoke or at least for the sake of the pre-hire mouth swab drug test.