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.

You can definitely expect a mouth swab drug test as part of the Amazon 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

Some Jobs at Amazon Are Subject to a Marijuana Test

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 delivery drivers, truck drivers, fork lift operators, Amazon Air, 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.

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

TIP: KEEP YOUR PRIVATE LIFE PRIVATE

I have good friend who works at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in California and he had the great advice of keeping “your private life private”. In other words, if you smoke weed, don’t go around bragging about it to other employees. He told me a story of a fellow employee who was always talking about “getting high” and he was subsequently targeted for a “random” drug test frequently. Whereas my buddy also smoked, but never said anything, and he’s never had to take a random test. I thought it was really smart advice and worth passing along.

There’s Hope If You’ve Failed a Previous Marijuana Test

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”.

Amazon Will Drug Test After an Accident

Like most large big-box stores, Amazon reserves the right to do what they term “impairment” checks or “suspicion” tests after an on-the-job accident -OR- if they suspect you’re impaired.

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

PRO TIP: TREAT WEED LIKE ALCOHOL

I had an Amazon warehouse supervisor tell me that the vast majority of employees will never get tested for marijuana unless you’re suspected of working while “high”. His advice was to treat weed like alcohol. You wouldn’t think of working while drunk, so don’t smoke weed right before your shift or on your break. You’ll get fired if you’re drunk or high at work. GREAT ADVICE.

Corporate Employees Get a Free Pass

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.

Let’s Bottom-Line This…

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

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)