The legalization of cannabis remains a hotly debated topic that has created a challenge for employers who must balance workplace safety and compliance with essential business and economic issues like-
- The growing prevalence of the legalization of cannabis and decriminalization of other drugs and,
- A tight labor market (which makes retaining employees vital) with 16 states recently registering historically all-time low unemployment rates (BLS-July 2023).
How Did We Curate the List of Companies That Don't Drug Test?
Curating a list of companies and employers that don't drug test can be quite helpful for those who are looking for employment in a workplace with less restrictive drug policies. For the list of companies that don't drug test in 2023, we reviewed data from the most prominent Fortune 500 companies that don't drug test, sourced from –
- The company's websites and available online employee handbooks.
- News articles, job boards, and third-party review sites.
- LinkedIn, Zippia, Glassdoor, Reddit, and other information sources.
Note that most firms and companies reserve the right to administer a drug test on an employee who may have been involved in a preventable accident and one that shows up impaired or consistently late.
Here's the List of top Companies that Don't Conduct Drug Tests
If you use medicinal or recreational cannabis and are looking for employment, here are 20 large companies that don’t drug test employees.
1. Chipotle
Chipotle is among the largest of the nation’s fast-food chains that do not require their workers to submit to drug testing. And while working in fast food is not for everyone, Chipotle has made the Forbes Best Companies to Work for multiple times. Chipotle, which employs an average of 64,000 workers, does not require a drug test during the application process or randomly.
2. Google
Google is among the largest and most desirable tech companies to work for, but the competition for employment is high. It's challenging to land a job with this company; however, they do not require drug testing. Google is looking for innovative and efficient workers, but don't mind if they use cannabis in their private lives.
3. Microsoft
Microsoft is another of the large tech companies that do not drug test new hires, although, like Google, it's tough to get hired by Microsoft as the competition is fierce. There are no worries about passing a drug test once hired as well. As long as you report to work sober and fulfill your responsibilities, there is no reason to be concerned with a random drug test.
4. Starbucks
Starbucks operates thousands of coffee shops globally. The company's main concern is efficiency, quality coffee, and customer service. They do not require passing a drug screening to gain employment, nor do they randomly test workers. If you're good at your job and your customers are happy with the service provided, Starbucks is a great employment fit.
5. Whole Foods
Whole Foods is a large progressive company that focuses on your professional life versus what you do in your personal life. If you're a food aficionado and you are proficient at your job, it's all the company asks. Whole Foods is among the companies that do not drug test either pre -or post-employment. The Austin, Texas-based food chain does not discriminate against workers for cannabis use as long as it doesn't interfere with job performance.
6. Apple
Apple is another tech company that maintains an on-the-job performance focus rather than what employees do in their private lives. There are no known requirements for drug testing at Apple, although it is quite competitive to secure a position. Workers have no worries about random drug screenings either. Apple realizes that the employment pool is small enough without proactively omitting candidates from the pool by drug testing.
7. Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting Goods is another big retail store chain that has no employee requirement for taking or passing a drug test. All management asks is that you understand the sporting goods offered for sale. Anyone with a sense of adventure who loves providing exceptional customer service for shoppers will find a solid career with the sporting goods retailer.
8. Michaels
Michael's is among the largest craft store chains in the nation. The company hires people who like working with the public and have a knowledge of craft materials and supplies. Michael's offers generous employee discounts w, which is one of the attractive perks for part- and full-time employees. Michael doesn't require a pre-employment drug screening or random testing.
9. Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is a New Hampshire-based company that was founded in 1992. Planet Fitness, which hires those who like to help others get healthy, operates many franchise gyms across the country under its brand image. Planet Fitness does not require pre- or post-drug tests but will test an employee who appears impaired when on company time.
10. L.A. Fitness
LA Fitness, founded in Irvine, CA, in 1984, is a large gym chain with locations in Canada and the U.S. LA Fitness chooses not to delve into the private lives of their employees – so there are no drug tests for employment, but the company will test if there is evidence of use at work.
11. Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is a unique food chain that is more concerned with providing wholesome and healthy foods than they are about their employees' use of cannabis. The company does not require drug testing for employment or randomly. This is a great place to work for anyone who is health-conscious and seeks to promote healthier eating choices.
12. Sprouts
Sprouts is a natural and organic supermarket chain that does not drug test its employees. As a multi-state company, Sprouts' managerial team realizes that the potential pool of employees may be reduced significantly if they implement testing mandates. If you have a passion for natural foods and promoting good health, working at Sprouts is an excellent option, even if you use cannabis.
13. Gap
Gap is a long-established retail chain that does not require drug testing as a pre- or post-employment condition unless you are involved in an accident on the job. If you work for Gap in a state where cannabis is legal, it is smart to confirm the policy in a specific location. The bottom line is that if you use cannabis, don't partake while you're on the job.
14. Amazon
Amazon is a company that does not test for marijuana use, as they view this as the same as using alcohol – at least for those positions that are not required to comply with U.S. DOT regulations. However, Amazon may test for other illicit use drugs. Amazon offers a variety of different job positions, so before you apply, make sure that you confirm the requirements.
15. IBM
IBM is among the oldest, largest, and leading consulting and technology firms that operate on a global market. While they reserve the right to require employees to comply with the company's code of conduct, IBM does not drug test as a pre-or post-employment requirement. In addition, IBM will perform a drug panel if a person comes to work visibly under the influence.
16. Walmart
One More Cup of Coffee confirms that certain first-time employees do not need to worry about drug testing at Walmart because only those jobs considered "safety-sensitive – i.e., warehouse, pharmacy, lawn & garden, deli, and maintenance" require drug testing. Each Walmart clerk needs to have a cheerful attitude and a willingness to provide exceptional customer service to shoppers.
17. Facebook
Facebook is a social media giant that employs a variety of workers. Many of these jobs are technical (some offered on-site but many as remote positions), so it's not necessary to pass a drug test to qualify for a position or randomly after being hired.
18. Twitter
Twitter needs no introduction as a leader in the tech industry. The company has no drug testing requirement for employment, nor do they drug-test their workers randomly. Twitter, like many other social media companies, seeks to keep its nose out of your private affairs.
19. In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is a California-based American fast-food restaurant with locations primarily in the southwest and California. In-N-Out Burger, which is a privately held company that does not drug test employees, ranks among the top ten companies to work for in 2023 (Forbes).
20. Dollar General
Dollar General is a major retail chain. Their smaller stores are essentially scaled-down versions of Walmart with groceries and a variety of discounted goods. This company does not require pre-employment or random drug tests of its employees.
Conclusion
With the legalization of marijuana in many states, many large corporations realize that insisting on mandatory drug testing will limit their ability to find workers in an economic environment with historically low unemployment rates and the fact that cannabis use is now legally permitted across many states and regions.
Some companies, which are likely easier to find in areas where recreational cannabis is legal, only screen for drugs should there be an event that harms someone or destroys property.
FAQs
Does Dominos do drug tests?
Yes, Domino's Pizza may test for drugs, although it depends on the location and position.
Does Starbucks require a drug test?
No, Starbucks does not mandate a pre- or post-employment drug test for its employees.
Can a drug test be refused?
There are some situations where an employee may decline a drug test, mainly due to discrimination issues. The consequences depend on state laws, company policies, and other factors; however, the most common consequence is termination.
Why should companies not drug test?
Employers that do not test for THC are shifting their drug screening efforts to substances that remain illegal as they don't see the point in penalizing workers for participating in legal activities.
Does KFC do drug tests?
Yes, KFC will test employees for drugs, although the specifics depend on the location and position.
Does McDonald's require a drug test?
No, McDonald's does test for drugs, although each store is independently owned and operated, so the policy may vary.
Does the Coca-Cola company do a drug test?
Yes, The Coca-Cola Company is among the companies that drug test prior to employment.
Does Subway do drug tests?
Yes, Subway will drug test prior to employment for some positions and in some locations as they have a zero-tolerance for drugs.
Can I be drug tested at an interview?
A private employer can set forth any workplace policy; however, there are state and federal laws that limit drug tests during the hiring process.
You can also read:
- Does Chipotle Drug Test Its Employees?
- Does Macy’s Drug Test Its Employees?
- Does Bath and Body Works Drug Test Employees?
- Does Burger King Drug Test Its Employees?
- Does Family Dollar Drug Test its Employees?
