After the year we just had, it's no surprise that marijuana use is on the rise. The increased accessibility of legal cannabis combined with progressive marijuana laws across Canada under the Cannabis Act means some corporations no longer drug test for weed. In fact, many employers now look the other way if you fail a drug test for weed alone. Which companies, to be exact? Keep reading to find out.
Amazon
The biggest news headline of the week relates to Amazon. Say what you will about Jeff Bezos, but the company announced on June 2, 2021, that it will no longer drug test employees for marijuana. Multiple outlets reported that Amazon "will no longer include marijuana in its comprehensive drug screening programme for positions that are not regulated by transportation authorities."
Meaning, if your job at Amazon entails transportation or the operation of machinery, you will still be drug tested for marijuana. Failure to pass this drug test may result in termination. Note that Amazon will continue to do impairment checks on the job and will test for all drugs and alcohol after any incident. Basically, this is not a free-for-all pass to show up high at work.
"In the past, like many employers, we've disqualified people from working at Amazon if they tested positive for marijuana use," CEO David Clark wrote in a blog post. "However, given where laws are moving across Canada, we've changed course." We're glad to hear it.
Target
If you've ever used Indeed or Glassdoor to search for a job, you may have seen their Q&A section. Target has not come forward with any official statements as of yet but we asked the big question for you: does the company drug test for marijuana? According to Indeed users, Target only drug tests (urine sample) employees who operate machinery. One commenter added, "They only drug test if they suspect you of usage, or you have a major accident while on the clock."
Walmart
Similar to Target, Walmart only drug tests for certain positions, according to Reddit users. But a different website claims that Walmart has one of the strictest zero-tolerance policies out of any massive corporation. Not that this should surprise anyone, but Walmart does not allow its employees to drink alcohol on the job or be under any sort of influence. Walmart uses a standard urine test that screens for five main drugs, including:
- Methamphetamine
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- PCP
Also, don't be surprised if Walmart performs random drug testing as well as "suspicion" drug testing. A failed drug test results in immediate termination and forbids you from applying for a different Walmart job for at least a year.
Do Grocery Stores Drug Test Their Employees?
Out of all the big-name corporations, grocery stores like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods may have the most lenient workplace culture. Keep in mind that neither grocery store has publicly announced that they do or do not drug test, so this is all internet hearsay. Current and previous employees at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods say that a drug test is extremely unlikely, though it may depend on your province.
One Indeed user wrote, "No, otherwise, more than half the crew they have wouldn't have passed. Pretty sure it varies depending on the province you're in. Some stores may be more likely to test, while others don't bother."
On Reddit, one Trader Joe's employee commented, "TJ Crew Member here — We do not drug test employees or job applicants. I mean also don't show up high and unable to work, obviously, but so far as applications go, you're in the clear."
The only exception to the rule may stand with Safeway. Multiple users on Reddit and Indeed confirmed that Safeway conducts a saliva drug test during the interview process. But again, it may depend on your province and the store's local policies. In British Columbia, for instance, one employee did not have to take a drug test. A second employee from B.C. said they failed their drug test for weed and still got hired.
Preparing for Your Job Interview
Better safe than sorry, right? Most companies only screen their employees for drugs once during the interview process. After that, you may be free to smoke as much as you'd like as long as you do not show signs of suspicion at work. If you operate machinery, it's best to avoid marijuana at all costs as you could risk your life and the lives of others.