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Don’t Take Drug Test if You Know You’ll Fail
A business owner recently vented his frustration to me around the number of job seekers who FAIL drug tests at his company:
“As a fairly active employer when it comes to hiring, I need to share with you my recent frustration when it comes to new hires and drug testing. We have had a particularly bad run in the last quarter with over a dozen failed tests. With over half of the candidates being college grads, I was particularly surprised! It actually seems more like an IQ test, why take it if you are going to fail? People currently in a job hunt should really be more aware of how testing works, and be prepared to pass. It is both disappointing and expensive for us as employers.”
Now, you might be thinking, “I bet this it was a bunch of punk kids,” or “The job probably pays squat.” Well, you are wrong. When I contacted him to get more details around the situation, here’s what he told me:
- In three months, he tested 39 prospective employees at $45/test. That’s an estimated $7,000/year spent on drug testing
- Only 25% passed.
- Their ages ranged between 21-52 years old.
- The owner estimates the additional cost of the wasted time/expense went into interviewing these people prior to the test at $24,000+.
More importantly, these people missed out on jobs that paid between $50,000 – $58,000/year!
Here’s the takeaway for job seekers.
Many companies are using drug tests these days as a way to weed out employees. Be sure to find out BEFORE you apply if the company is going to ask you to take a drug test to avoid any embarrassment.
What should you do if you find out about the drug test AFTER the interview?
If the company fails to mention the drug test until after your interview. Simply say you’d be happy to take the test and leave. Then, call them back and say that upon reflection, you’ve decided the job isn’t for you. That way, you won’t be embarrassed when you fail and you’ll save the company the cost of giving you the test.
In summary…
Using drugs is your choice – you just need to acknowledge choosing to do so comes with consequences in the form of limiting your job options. It’s a small world, failing a drug test isn’t good for your career. So, be smart and move on if you know you can’t pass one.
(Cartoon by CAREEREALISM-Approved Career Expert, Teena Rose)
Photo credit: Shutterstock
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Seth
May 6, 2013 at 9:03 PM
Considering the failed tests are probably over 90% of the time from marijuana, I say the employer deserves to be paying for their own stupid decision (to drug test). The reason there’s so many people going to these tests and failing from marijuana is the incredibly variant time that it stays in your system. Ranging from 3 days up to over 30 days, it’s very hard for people to tell whether they will pass or not.
I understand the employers frustration with this, but it’s their own fault for testing for marijuana in the first place. I recently scraped by with a pass on my drug test, just barely. There’s always that chance that you will pass so it makes it very hard for people to take the advice to just not take the test considering a failed test has no repercussions for the employee.
paul
May 13, 2013 at 6:45 PM
^^ EXACTLY
joy
May 4, 2013 at 3:49 PM
I’m actually down with drug testing.I used to come to work high as a kite and drunk from earlier that morning. I was a high functioning alcoholic. But alcohol stopped being my friend and turned on me. My behavior was terrible, I started causing scenes on the job and working hung over all day. When I finished my 8 hour shift I couldn’t even remember where I had parked my car. I finally hit bottom real hard. Being found out actually saved my life from. Peolpe under the influence cannot be productive in their chosen line of work.
Dave
May 7, 2013 at 8:16 PM
Just because you engaged in getting wasted on the job does not mean that everyone else does. I can enjoy a nice bowl on my time off and perform my job very well. Let’s not lump “us” all together.
Patriot1
April 24, 2013 at 3:17 PM
David raises a good point about false positives. The Bible says “Do not bear false witness against thy neighbor, which is what a false positive does. I’m bringing this up because in some cases, a false positive can destroy somebody’s life and/or career, especially if you’re in the military. I was in the Air Force from 1981 to 1985. In 1983 they started doing random drug testing in the military. We had a case sometime in around 1984 or 85 when a staff sergeant came up positive on a drug test for marijuana. Their policy at the time was to give non-commissioned officers a less than honorable discharge whenever they came up positive on a drug test, in essence destroying their career and their reputation. This guy decided to fight it, he insisted that he had never smoked the stuff in his life, so instead of signing an Article 15 (non-judicial punishment) and taking a less than honorable discharge, he decided to defend himself in a general court martial. If convicted, he would have faced even worse punishment than an Article 15, possibly prison time and even a Bad Conduct or Dishonorable discharge. Since appointed military lawyers aren’t always the best at defending the accused, he hired a civilian lawyer to defend him. What his lawyer found was astounding. He conducted an investigation at the drug test lab itself. He found incompetence and sloppy lab work on a massive scale. Thousands of urine samples were found to be incorrectly labeled. It was discovered that not only was this guy falsely accused, but 5000 other people were as well, most of them ended up being discharged less than honorably. Needless to say he was acquitted. Not only that, but the Air Force had to reinstate all the people who were wrongfully discharged (if they wanted to go back in. I know I’d tell them to go to hell if it was me.) but they also had to give them months worth of pay retroactively. (Your tax dollars at work!)I was made to take a drug test once. I found it very humiliating and degrading, I had served over three and a half years with an unblemished record. When they sent me into the bathroom with the vial to piss in, they sent a sergeant in there to watch me, as though I was some sort of criminal. It really pissed me off! And being that I knew about the court martial of the staff sergeant who was falsely accused, I was worried that the same thing might happen to me. I was only three months away from my enlistment expiring, and I wanted to get my honorable discharge and get the hell out of Dodge! It did come up clean, but I no longer trusted the Air Force. I made a vow to myself that very day that I would never again be subjugated to such humiliation, and I’ve stuck by it. I have never taken a drug test for a job, and I never will. When the Air Force asked me if I wanted to re-enlist, I told them where to shove it! I took my full honorable discharge and never looked back, and now here I am!
David
April 24, 2013 at 10:12 AM
The fact that the rate for positives is so high raises some questions in my mind.
I received a positive result on my drug screen and know that there were no drugs in my system. I wonder what percentage of the drug screens yield a false positive result… or are intentionally messed up.
Having gone through the process, I will tell you that there is nothing that you can do to rectify getting a false positive that I am aware of.
Nigel Thronberry
April 21, 2013 at 10:12 AM
If I were applying to a job, had an interview and afterwards they told me “we’re going to test your urine!” And I had happened to smoke pot the night before, then I would absolutely take the test just to waste their money. Potential employees owe nothing to the employers.
Wes
April 20, 2013 at 6:21 PM
There is NO DIFFERENCE between drinking a few beers and smoking a joint….well, cept one is legal….and one is not.
SEA
May 18, 2013 at 4:39 PM
There are many differences between marijuana and alcohol, Wes. They are two completely different substances, made of differing ingredients, produced by different methods, regulated differently, consumed in different ways, with different affects on the body. The only way they are the same is in the minds of people who group things together with no facts or knowledge of the things they’re labeling.
Matt
April 11, 2013 at 8:45 AM
“I was surprised! They were all recent college graduates!”
Hm, so maybe it is quite possible to live a productive life if you smoke pot. Imagine that.
Mike in Florida
April 10, 2013 at 4:41 PM
There are no long term consequences to failing a pre-employment drug test aside from not getting the job of course. The failed drug test won’t show up in a background check. HIPPA laws protect your privacy.
So the only person getting jipped is the employer because they are losing their money and their time on the job applicant.
I wish the article would have made this more clear.
The article also failed to mention all the other reasons why someone might fail a drug test.
Certain medications including Ibuprofen, supplements/vitamins and even foods such as poppy seeds.
Another common reason is shy bladder (the medical term is paruresis) which just means that you can’t pee under pressure like if someone is rushing you or during a drug test or in crowded noisy bathrooms like at a ballgame stadium.
You cannot even provide a sample for them to test because your urethral sphincter clenches and prevents you from peeing.
Unfortunately, they mark this down as testing POSITIVE for drugs even though you didn’t even fill up the cup. This is highly unethical for them to do but not enough laws have been passed to protect those with this medical condition.
My girlfriend has a shy bladder and failed a drug test in the past. I’ve failed due to meds but I was able to prove I was on medication with my doctor’s prescription. Unfortunately, my poor girlfriend had no other recourse but to loose the job opportunity which she so badly wanted and needed.
thisguysmokesweed
April 8, 2013 at 12:33 PM
i used to out right refuse any pre employment drug tests on the principal of i did nothing wrong, therefor i should not have to take a drug test. as one who does smoke weed and only smoke weed, it becomes painfull when jobs i find that pay from minimum wage up refuse to hire me on this one fact… that i smoke weed. thats when i stopped caring about not passing. maybe one day it will be legalized…. or companies are gonna spend a few bucks in some drug tests.
SEA
May 18, 2013 at 4:46 PM
I feel the same, thisguy. But if people who partake in marijuana are to win this battle, we have to prove our intelligence, capability and professionalism. Improper grammar and use of punctuation hurts the image of any productive person who smokes, as it reaffirms the stigma that “potheads” are lazy and unintelligent.
Cannabis Sativa
April 8, 2013 at 11:32 AM
Any ignoramus who thinks cannabis is a drug is freaking idiot!
Do you know that just about every system in your body is homeostatically regulated by endocannabinoids?
That includes: cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, excretory, immunological, nervous, musculo-skeletal, reproductive, and respiratory systems among them.
AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE???
Your body makes it’s own pot!!
These are compounds like those found in cannabis.
Human breast milk contains cannabinoids like those found in cannabis.
It is an essential nutrient!!
(Shaking my head)
Patriot1
April 3, 2013 at 5:01 PM
It seems to me that most jobs that drug test do so as a pre-condition of being hired. Some jobs randomly test, but not too many. Assuming this is correct, what does drug testing really solve? Nothing! Back when I used to smoke weed, I had a few friends who got a new job and had to take a drug test. I’d be smoking a doobie somewhere and I’d see them and offer them a toke. They’d be like “No thanks. I gotta refrain for a while, I gotta take a piss test next week for my new job.” So they would take the piss test, pass it, and get hired. The minute they got hired they’d call me and ask “Know where I can get some weed?” So I’d go get them a bag and we’d get stoned off our asses and drink a few beers as well. Most companies that drug test are just being politically correct, they do it to make themselves look good, like they’re “doing something” about the “drug problem.” The whole thing is phony, it’s nothing but peddling snake oil in pursuit of an imaginary boogieman. It’s nothing but a profit making scam. I’ve said this many times before, but I’ll say it again because it’s the truth and I’ll stick to it!
Patriot1
April 1, 2013 at 12:26 PM
When I first started working in the late 1970′s, drug testing did not exist, you were simply hired on a handshake. Drug testing is a recent thing. About 25 years or so ago, certain people discovered that there was a lot of money to be made at it, so they began marketing it like a product, putting out propaganda to employers in order to pedal their snake oil. It is nothing but a scam, a phony solution to a largely imaginary problem. Sure, there’s certain people who have substance abuse problems, but it’s ALWAYS been that way, since the beginning of time, and it always will be. The world existed thousands of years without drug testing, and it survived just fine. If we were to discontinue drug testing today, the sky would not fall, things would continue as they always have and life would go on.
Dave
March 28, 2013 at 3:46 PM
If the employers prerogative is to “weed” out potential candidates whom he obviously liked well enough to send for the test, I say hooray for his expense. Most people know that drug tests are in fact marijuana tests, since most HARD drugs are vacated from the system within 24-48 hours, while marijuana use is detectable up to three months. Now people can pop all the prescription medications, drink alcohol and sniff glue if they want to and not be subject to this type of discrimination. It isn’t law that employers force candidates to submit to tests unrelated to the requirements of the position. Come into work high, drunk, hung over? Sure, that’s reason for dismissal. Discriminate against recreation that may even have POSITIVE benefits for the employer. Ridiculous! Sir Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Stephen King, Newt Gingerich, Barack Obama, JFK, Harrison Ford, John Denver, Michael Phelps, Carl Sagan…. ALL POT SMOKERS!
Matti
March 30, 2013 at 4:38 AM
Absolutely Dave. Testing people to see if they have taken drugs in the past is totally unacceptable and completely different to being under the influence. What’s to say that the individual doesn’t get blind drunk evey weekend? Or is cheating on his/her partner – so can they be trusted ?
People should be judged on their ability to undertake a role ad not on whether they have smoked a joint in their own time .
SEA
May 18, 2013 at 5:43 PM
I’ve never thought of it that way, but it sounds like you’re right. I wonder how the unemployment rates would be affected if they did away with testing for marijuana use? It does more harm than good to criminalize and/or demonize marijuana use.
mark
March 16, 2013 at 1:41 PM
I love how all these people who posted here make their drug habit a problem for other people. “Its the fault of people who who write these stupid laws” “Its big business types” or my favorite. “Its because of corporate greed”. How bout your a drug addict and you will eventually hurt yourself or someone like me who has to end up working with fools like you. Pot is good for you keep smoking it. Its just a little crack. A little coke never hurt anyone. Good luck I hope for my sake and all other people who love their wives and families you don’t get a job. Its because of people like you I have to take a drug test. How bout this, you just don’t do drugs for the simple fact people who do drugs cannot be trusted. Case closed!
jeremy
March 20, 2013 at 1:58 AM
I use mmj and I have an iq in the 99th percentile and am very trustworthy you should get off your high horse since I’m sure you are one of those people that get drunk everyday but I can’t partake on my own time
mark
March 23, 2013 at 10:44 PM
Well you are wrong. I don’t get drunk. That’s the thing with people who do drugs they think everyone is as addicted as they are to something, and you being a drug user cant imagine not being addicted to something. It is possible to just do the right thing and work hard love life without drugs. I hope one day you will realize it just costs you money and most likely a job or you wouldn’t be on this site and does nothing to benefit your overall well being. I’m sorry you have a high IQ that usually does not make you any more money in this world, and it will be harder for you to be generally happy. It usually means you take test well witch has no real employable value unless you want to be a student the rest of your life. I just wish we could find a way to charge all drug testing to all the drug addicts. Let people like me not have to pay for your addictions.
studenheim
March 27, 2013 at 10:59 AM
You sound like a girl
Bertha
April 6, 2013 at 3:19 AM
thats an insult to the entier female population. More like sounds like a spaz. Either way Republicans are finally starting to cave so his opinions isnt even valid.
marks regretful father
March 29, 2013 at 11:04 PM
seriously mark, you are a fool. people like you are what is wrong with this country. you are so ignorant it is astounding to read your drivel.
ajay
March 30, 2013 at 12:51 PM
You know, just as a note, the pot smoker is proving to be much better than you as far as grammar is concerned
mark
April 2, 2013 at 2:28 PM
I forgot Im talking to drug users whats the point lol Good luck in life. “Sell crazy some place else we r all stocked up here”
rozzi
April 6, 2013 at 12:12 AM
Let me see if I understand this, Mark… You don’t get drunk or use drugs?? Just because you don’t get drunk doesn’t mean you are not an addict… It means you have high tolerance to alcohol… In the same sense, drug use is not the same as drug abuse… Your problem is not with addicts, hon… perhaps if you knew how to spell “which” correctly, you wouldn’t be in a crappy paying job and feeling unhappy because YOU have the burden of having to “pay for my addiction(s)”. Life will humble you my friend..
Pigbitnmad
April 26, 2013 at 12:19 PM
BTW, in addition to my comments below, you sound like an illiterate moron.
SEA
May 18, 2013 at 11:28 PM
Mark, how are you paying for it? If private companies are paying for drug testing, you are not. (Not unless you own one of these companies, and in that case…)
Patriot1
March 23, 2013 at 11:39 PM
Who says you “have to” take a drug test? I don’t, I just find jobs that respect my privacy. I don’t do drugs anyway, I quit smoking weed years ago, but I still won’t take a drug test because I don’t like the idea of somebody somewhere who I don’t know peering at my bodily fluids, it gives me the creeps. I don’t trust drug test labs or the drug testing industry in general. Anything done under the guise of “public safety” sends up a red flag to me. I believe there’s a hidden, more sinister motive behind it. I believe it’s about power, profits, and controlling the masses, it’s another tool in the New World Order police state society. Who’s to say that the government, along with the big corporations, don’t use drug test samples to create a DNA database on every citizen in this country? Much like how they’re trying to create a gun control registery on everybody, it all smacks of totalitarianism. The only valid reason in my book for a urine test would be for medical reasons, which would be strictly between patient and physician, where such a use would be to help people, not control and oppress them and make billions of dollars in profits in the process. Drug testing is not a Biblical idea either, it is a man-created idea, with the love of money, which is the root of all evil, being the main motive. Yes, drug abuse is a sin, and the solution is to repent of our sins and turn to God. God sees everything we do, including our sins done in secret, and one day we will all have to face him and give an account of ourselves. We cannot hide from God, the Bible says that our sins will find us out. No man has the right to judge the sins of another, only God has that authority. Therefore, anybody who advocates drug testing is a hypocrite. My question to such people is; “So what are your secret sins?” We all sin and fall short of the glory of God.
mark
March 26, 2013 at 8:56 PM
Well, you sound insane!Patriot1 You may not be insane that post sounds like it is in need of medication. I would like to see you get a driving job without taking a drug test. God does give us the right to judge others. We can decide who gets to drive a big truck or not and (JUDGE) weather or not they are sober and drug free enough to do so safely. We are not on this earth to just say “I’m not God I shouldn’t judge. I like how people try to bring God into things to prove their point like God is somehow on their side.lol Read your Bible God used people to judge others all through history.
Patriot1
March 28, 2013 at 3:32 PM
You sound lost. I don’t think you really understand the Bible at all. I do read my Bible, the King James version, in other words, the REAL Bible. You must read the NIV or some other false translation. Drug testing is nothing but a money making scam, that’s all it is. I don’t do drugs so therefore I don’t need a drug test. God is my witness and that’s all I need. Judge not lest ye be judged, condemn not lest ye be condemned.
Aubrey
April 2, 2013 at 6:00 PM
I hate starting posts like this at the change they might be take as belittling but…
Oh Mark. Who used drugs and the ruined your life? A friend? A family member?
I have never used drugs. Ever. I am a substance abuse counselor you specializes in opiate addiction. My patients are kind and caring people. They work hard and many have successful lives. That is until they can no longer afford their addiction. That is when things become bad.
My point is, vilanizing substance abuser or user is neither here nor there. It’s not clear cut and its definitely not a choice to get hooked on cocaine or heroin. And many people successfully treat horrible conditions with cannaboids and I don’t blame then when I see what opiates and benzos do to people. Just don’t judge and stop making yourself out to be a victim. My patient don’t act like victims they own there addiction but they deserve compassion as they don’t want to live this way. Try being more caring and understanding and try less to make an is versus them. One day you might be in a situation where you don’t fit into and is or them and you’ll regret that black and white thinking.
Ken
March 28, 2013 at 10:28 AM
Mark, I do understand your position on the matter, and actually agree with most of what you say. However, I’ll also remind you that have the right to your opinion, and others have the right to disagree.
I’ve been in upper management/business ownership for the last 18 years, and make a very comfortable living for myself and my family. I am responsible for approximately 75 employee’s.
I enjoy smoking marijuana with my wife at the end of my long day, and do so almost daily. This is my choice, and this has no bearings on my intelligence level and decision making while at work. In fact, I 100% agree that it has no place in my work environment. However, what I do in my own time is no one’s business, to some degree of course. Drug testing should be used as “at work” tools if it is believed someone is working under the influence. Many people go to work under the influence of alcohol, and unfortunately no drug test will identify and fail this user.
I can go on and on about this with you, however, I can read by your few statements that you believe you know everything about the subject and those that use, when clearly, you’re just misinformed. Good luck.
Patriot1
March 28, 2013 at 3:50 PM
I hear what you’re saying Ken. People like this Mark guy scare me a lot more than people who smoke pot like yourself do. It’s his kind of thinking that leads to oppression and police state societies. It’s the same mentality that the gun grabbers have, they want to control everybody and everything. As a Christian, I believe pot smoking is a sin, it’s a sin a I repented of a long time ago. However, I don’t believe in being judgmental of those who do, because I smoked the stuff for years myself and I understand. I’ve worked in several occupations over the years, I’ve worked with many stoners and many drinkers. Most of the stoners I worked with weren’t a problem, they always showed up for work and got the job done. I’ve never seen anybody get fired from a job because they smoked weed, but I’ve seen lots of people get fired because of drinking. They would go out and get drunk every night, and either they were always late for work, or they were too hung over and wouldn’t show up, or sometimes they’d even come in reeking of booze. I’ve also seen a lot of people who were totally straight, who didn’t smoke or drink anything, but were just plain lazy and/or incompetent. This is a fact. Sounds like this Mark guy has probably never smoked a joint in his life, so therefore he has no clue as to what he’s talking about. I DO know what I’m talking about though, because as a former toker I’ve been there. So if you like to smoke pot it doesn’t bother me at all, you’re not doing me any harm. Maybe you’ll always smoke it, or maybe one day you’ll get tired of it and quit like I did. I have no authority to police the sins of others, I have my own sins to deal with. Sometimes the best thing to do is to let things run their course. Good luck to you and your wife, and I hope you have much success with your business.
Dave
March 28, 2013 at 3:52 PM
Sir Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Stephen King, Newt Gingerich, Barack Obama, JFK, Harrison Ford, John Denver, Michael Phelps, Carl Sagan…. ALL POT SMOKERS! I guess these people can’t be trusted right Mark?
King
May 7, 2013 at 9:23 AM
So naive
Pigbitin Mad
April 12, 2013 at 1:30 PM
Perfect “Stepford” people like yourselves are the problem with the decling quality of life in this country. Drugs and alcohol have been a part of life for thousands of years and it is only recently that people like you have developed complete and total hysteria on the subject. Sure, I would never advocate someone getting high or drunk while on the job, or while driving. But in moderation I think it makes people less stressed out, and able to see that there is more to life than greed and keeping up with the Joneses (something that I am sure consumes your every waking moment). You never tried something, therefore you want to make sure that nobody else does either by passing draconian laws against it. I bet if somebody put a little LSD in your water, you might change your tune and see how stupid you really are. No dead babies will result from responsible pot use.
I would argue this country needs more drugs not less. People are way too uptight.
King
May 7, 2013 at 9:27 AM
Drugs so not help you see more in life I smoke alot but it is a persons choice how they view life and how much they get from it. I have seen ppl destroy their lives from drugs and others do just fine so never recommend more dugs to society u r unbelievably naive for saying that because just cause u do good with drugs does not mean the person next to you will. Think before u speak…
sean
April 15, 2013 at 10:14 PM
Possibly the most ignorant and uneducated comment I have ever read. I’m not going to go into detail or try to brag about my “e-dick” but I guarantee I make more in one year than you do in five, and I smoke marijuana every weekend.
SEA
May 18, 2013 at 6:05 PM
Have you ever used cough syrup? Antibiotics? Allergy meds? Ibuprofin? Prescribed pain-killers? Alcohol? Cigarettes? Chewing tobacco? Nicorette? Viagra? Birth-control? Valium? Xanax? Any others? All of these are drugs; many of them affect your ability to work or get to work (operating machinery.)
I’ve smoked marijuana for over half of my life. I’ve also attained a degree, as well as a fulfilling and well-paying career that makes me a productive and contributing tax-payer and family-provider. I enjoy reading, working out, food and nutrition, and every year I volunteer for a charitable organization for a few months to collect donations and bring awareness of a devastating and terminal disease to the community. I pay out-of pocket for ongoing training for professional development since I’m in a technical field. I do this with my own money in my spare time.
But I smoke pot. So what is it that makes me so dangerous to you or your loved ones again?
A label is a label, but that does not instantly proclaim it as accurate.
Patriot1
January 31, 2013 at 12:56 AM
One thing to look at with drug testing is who is profiting off it? Who owns the drug test labs? Drug testing is a multi-billion dollar business. Certainly average Joes such as myself don’t make any money off it. I wonder if the people who own the big corporations that drug test (such as Medtox, Quest Diagnostics, etc.) aren’t the same people who are getting rich by bankrupting our country? You know, the upper echelon elites who are connected politically. Notice also how politicians who drug test lower level government workers and welfare and unemployment recipients always seem to exempt themselves. (Oklahoma is one such example.) It also seems to me that most corporations will drug test the lower rung employees while exempting the upper management and executives. One company I put that question to said they give random drug tests for those in “safety sensitive” positions but not for the management. In other words, drug test the people who are out in the field doing the actual work that they’re profiting off of. What the hell would they know about “safety” when they’re a bunch of pencil pushing desk jockeys? I guess some people think they’re better than the rest of us, and so they create one set of rules for themselves and another set for everybody else. This is what is known as a double standard. The way I see it, our rights come from God. (As stated in the Declaration of Independence) All of us are equal before God, no man, regardless of his social status, is any less sinful than another. The same rules apply to all; don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t screw your neighbor’s wife, don’t bear false witness, etc. We also have equal rights; the right to worship God however we choose, the right to keep and bear arms, the right to a trial by jury, and the right to our privacy. (Which drug testing definitely violates!) This is the equality principle. Either the rules apply to all or they apply to none. I’ll take a drug test the day that all congressmen, all senators, all governors, all attorney generals, all CEO’s, all upper management people, and the President of the United States do. But since these rules don’t apply to them, then they don’t apply to me either! They need to either put up or shut up! If we dug deep enough and did some research on this, I’m sure that it would be discovered that drug testing is a scam and a racket designed to profit the ultra rich elites at the expense of our liberties. It’s just another tool in the war against the people, intended to create a totalitarian police state. Probably the same people who want to take our guns from us. I don’t trust these bastards, and neither should anybody else. Just say no to drug testing! If everybody refused to do it, they could never implement it.
marks-a-retard
April 24, 2013 at 1:20 PM
well said patriot! Mark seems to think everybody who smokes weed is retarded when hes clearly being out-educated by almost every commenter on here. hahaha, at least you can spell and put together a proper sentence. Good for you!
Patriot1
January 7, 2013 at 1:24 PM
I’ve noticed that these pro-drug testing propaganda pieces are always written by corporate type people who work in offices, who probably wouldn’t have a clue as to how to pound a nail or do anything practical. This lady who wrote this trash has probably never tried weed in her life. It’s funny how these people act like they’re “experts” on things they know nothing about. They also think they’re “safety” experts as well, even though they know absolutely nothing about shop tools or other kinds of construction equipment. In reality, the REAL experts are people who actually work with tools like this, not some pencil pushing desk jockey like this stupid broad is. Right now I work at a weed-friendly company, at least half the people there toke, including some of the managers. Everybody there does there job and they show up for work, and that’s all that really matters. I’d rather work with a bunch of stoners than a bunch of self-righteous, judgmental hypocrites who look down their noses at other people’s sins, when they should be looking in the mirror at themselves. But there is a silver lining in all of this; Colorado and Washington state have just legalized weed for recreational use. When something like this begins, it carries momentum, and soon other states will follow. Cannabis legalization is the wave of the future. Prohibition is coming to an end, and once it’s like this everywhere, drug testing will soon fall by the wayside. After all, you can’t really discriminate against someone who does something that’s legal. Weed legalization is popular, while drug testing is not. Soon all these companies who drug test will be dinosaurs and will have to get with the times and accept the fact that a lot of people out there like to smoke weed on their own time, whether they like it or not. They’re going to have to get with the program and drop the drug testing or else they will not be able to find good employees, and their competitors who are smart enough to drop their drug testing programs will leave them in the dust.
MShooksie
January 11, 2013 at 10:35 PM
^^Amen!!!
kalen
January 30, 2013 at 1:15 AM
O’Donnell, you definitely bash users of pot while you probably goes out after work getting “high” on wine. Alcohol was illegal at one point too but we don’t call you a punk kid or drunk. Like Patriot1 said, STOP PRETENDING LIKE YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT POT USERS. Just because a person drinks, you do NOT know to what extent or if it affects them at work. Wake up old timer and embrace the chance because it is much needed obviously after reading this article.
King
May 7, 2013 at 9:31 AM
I smoke but just cause I smoke I don’t think everyone drinks cause really to everyone does why the —- r all u pot heads so naive I smoke everyday and I’m not half as naive as u tards seriously u just assume these ppl drink maybe they don’t maybe their hardcore religious or maybe they just don’t. Don’t just assume people drink cause u get high that’s a joke. You people are making pot heads look like retards.
tman
March 22, 2013 at 8:48 PM
lucky b—–. i work in a shop and they do drug test it sucks. not being able to relax even during the weekend cause of testing sucks. i mean working 12′s throughout week can be tiring as hell then having to be asked to work saturdays. i just dont see the point of testing to see if you have done it within a month, i think they should test for it in you bloodstream if you had it like the day before or that day or not test for it at all
Jeremy Kuehnau
October 15, 2012 at 2:19 AM
I don’t do drugs myself, but as a personal witness to what drinking can do to a person, I have yet to understand why it’s socially and legally acceptable to drink on your off time, but it’s illegal to take recreational drugs on your own personal time. If you ask me it’s a form of discrimination, perpetuated by social stereotypes of people who use drugs.
I can understand a random drug test to see if you are currently under the influence of a drug in the work place, I agree with that completely. You are on the employer’s time and they deserve the best ability out of you. But these drug tests aren’t testing to see if you are currently under the influence of a drug at work, they test to see if you have taken any drugs within a limited window of time.
Employers really need to be more concerned about their irresponsible employees who not only managed to pass the initial drug test, but get away with taking drugs or drinking while at work. I know of several people at my current job, who either smoke pot or drink while on the clock. These are the people you need to worry about.
Not only that, these drug tests are flawed in the fact they only test for drugs the test was designed for. While working for Man Power I was drug tested multiple times while I was on prescription Vicodin and not once did the test ever alert Man Power or my current contracted employer I was taking them.
If people want to do drugs, they’ll find a way. They’ll create synthetic drugs that are legal or undetectable, Many work places don’t test for psychedelic drugs either, so go ahead and eat a handful of shrooms before an interview.
All this article suggests is that you are wasting their time and money, reality is, they are doing the same to every person they turn down. It isn’t just about the employer and what they need, it’s about the employee too.
I know that in most states if you are tested positive during a random, they can’t simply terminate your job, they have to give you a chance to go through rehab and clean yourself up. If you ask me, refusing to hire people because they fail a preliminary drug test is borderline discriminatory and should be outlawed. Everyone should be given a chance to shine, otherwise how will they ever glow?
Nonimouse
September 13, 2012 at 9:39 AM
I say fail as many of these tests as possible. Waste as much of these companies’ time and money as you can. In this case, boycotting is perpetuating the paradigm. Give them oceans of tainted piss. Drown these moral ciphers with their own paranoia. If dirty pee embarrasses you, you lack conviction. Fail the test. These tests are confidential. They cannot result in criminal charges.
Julie
October 4, 2012 at 9:39 AM
You are such an idiot.
Kevin
April 3, 2013 at 12:17 AM
Why? I actually think he has a point here. By supporting and perpetuating an ignorant drug testing system, these employers are fully committing to pay for these tests. If, they think drug testing is so important, then they should have to pay for the consequences of their actions. If more quality potential workers continued to fail these tests and cost companies thousands, then they might think twice about keeping these racist policies in place.
me
October 6, 2012 at 11:06 AM
Right on Nonimouse!
The author and interviewee are the idiots here. It is clear that they, as people often do, are lazy about the word “drug.” The “business man” and the “author’ should have been more specific. I’m certain the truth is that these people all failed for smoking marijuana. I’m certain the truth is that none of these people failed the test because they are addicted to pain pills or alcohol, neither of which are tested for. The idiot author and businessman CLEARLY do not realize that pill poppers and drunks are FAR more dangerous than consumers of marijuana which has never killed anyone in the history of the world.
The war on “drugs” is healthy and strong in the idiot minds of these two.
Mary Jane
September 10, 2012 at 9:23 AM
Don’t they realize we use other people’s urine anyways? Ha!
Chiara
November 19, 2012 at 12:22 AM
Amen my friend, been doing this for years! I’ll admit I’m always a bit nervous walking in to do the test but sorry, you’re not getting my real pee to maybe test if I’m pregnant or whatever. Besides, all these tests catch are weekend marijuana smokers, the alcoholics and coke heads (i.e. REAL dangers) are usually clean within 24 hours of using and rarely fail.
Patriot1
June 13, 2012 at 6:31 PM
Drug testing is like socialism, it’s a waste of money and it doesn’t work. This employer is an idiotic jackass with no common sense. Who’d want to work for him anyway? He could be using the money he’s wasting on employee pay raises or company picnics, instead of a witch hunt trying to find an imaginary boogieman. He’s not only throwing his money down the drain, he’s also cheating himself out of potential excellent employees. Some of the best workers I’ve known are pot smokers. I worked in the construction trades for a number of years, before the drug testing racket came into being. We had shop foremen who smoked the stuff, in fact I used to toke with them after a hard day’s work. A lot of these guys taught me most of the stuff I know, the tricks of the trade. Our boss didn’t care if we smoked it, the only thing he asked is that we didn’t do it while on the job. Very reasonable, it’s just common sense. I also have friends who own businesses, some for as many as 25 years, who like to smoke weed. It’s time people start getting off this trip of obsessing over what other people do and look in the mirror at themselves. We need to start a new trend; a drug test-free workplace! Drug testing is just another fad, another get rich quick scheme by shysters, and will soon be consigned to the dustbins of history, just like socialism.
Steven
August 7, 2012 at 9:24 AM
The point is a well dress crack head or abusive alcoholic will get a job first then someone who smokes weed on their own time, and what does it do munchies/relaxed/sleepy… really? So it really doesn’t matter anyway ill just get someone else clean urine and pass.
Mary Jane
September 10, 2012 at 9:23 AM
I agree 100%.
Julie
October 4, 2012 at 9:35 AM
You are just a freak. Drug test is not done to waste the company’s money. Drug test is done to protect the employees. I wish all the companies would do drug testing so people like you would stop using drugs and working with powerful tools. What is the problem if you smoke weed at night and go to work in the morning? Nothing? The symptoms of weed can affect you for up to 30 days.
Patriot1
October 4, 2012 at 12:09 PM
You’re a control freak. What would you know about shop tools? You’re a woman, you have no say so in it. Construction is man’s work. Go back to secretary or hairstyling or babysitting work where you belong, or better yet, go home and take care of your husband or kids, if you have any. Mind your own damn business!
Sundevilphx
October 11, 2012 at 8:34 AM
Hey Julie, get a clue, marijuana can not effect someone for up to 30 days. It can remain in your system, (it is stored in fat cells) for up to 30 days and therefore be detected by a u/a, big difference. Maybe you should stick to preaching about things you are educated about, or better yet, quit preaching period. You are one of the many judgemental people that think that marijuana smokers are all criminals and degenerates. Wake up dear, alcohol is a drug that is dangerous and destructive, but totally legal. Smoking herb mellows you out, improves your mood, too bad everyone does not partake, maybe you should. You sound like you could use it.
Mat
October 16, 2012 at 12:32 PM
Hey Julie, I manage a multi-billion dollar hedge fund, make millions of dollars a year, and manage to smoke copious amounts of pot. If anything it helps me take the stress out of probably the most stressful job out there. Jesus I wish the symptoms of weed lasted for 30 days… too bad you’re wrong.
Josh
December 13, 2012 at 8:43 PM
Julie, you’re ignorant.
You need to do research, a person is far more dangerous while the have a hangover, than when they are under the influence of marijuana. You’ve obviously been a bubble your whole life, and the united states will have recreational pot soon, and people like you will have to sit on it.
I say this because I recently got out of the army.
dave
January 6, 2013 at 10:20 PM
incorrect.. marijuana does not affect your mind for 30 days. it affects your brain for approximately 2 hours, once the 2 hour window is over, you are back to normal. please educate yourself before acting condescending.
kalen
January 30, 2013 at 1:33 AM
This is exactly why pot is still illegal
TheRealOne
March 24, 2013 at 11:47 PM
Are you serious? The symptoms of weed can affect you for up to 30 days?? You really must not know anything about weed then, nor any other recreational drug. Please know your facts before you go posting and making yourself sound like an idiot.
Zuriel24
April 4, 2013 at 2:06 PM
hahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha U are funny!!!
Bertha
April 6, 2013 at 3:39 AM
Actually Julie thats not true but its understandable that you might be confused and think that. You see when someone smokes weed the way it gets them high is it releases THC into the system. The effects of THC only last about 2 hours, even less for frequent smokers as the body builds up a natural immunity to it over time just like it does with most things. The longest method used for getting high with weed is brownies or other edibles. This typically lasts on average 8 hours for a brownie. Thats the longest weed high anyone can get though. Anyways THC then is stored in the fat cells of the body but the effects are 100% gone. No one has ever woken up still high like they do when they drink the night before. Thats just not how it works. When the 30 days you mentioned actually is, is the traces of THC. It cant be DETECTED that someone has smoked. It doesnt mean they will be high that long. There are some hard drugs out there that cause serious damage like that but weed is generally pretty harmless as long as partakers are responsible enough to know not to do anything stupid like work with power tools. Thats more a question of their judgment calls on safety rather than choice to smoke weed.
Rich
April 9, 2012 at 12:53 PM
The Employer being interviewed is an idiot. First of all, you can’t fail an IQ test. Secondly, if he’s going to descriminate against those people he deserves every dollar lost.
After reading this I will make sure to take the test even if I know I’m going to fail. Eventually policies will change as the public uses drugs more and more.
Joe Nunya
April 10, 2012 at 10:34 PM
As far as the IQ test I think they were saying you would be stupid to go if you know you will fail.
LOL
April 8, 2012 at 7:44 PM
This article is ridiculous. If anything I say take the interview and fail the test even if you know that you will fail. Who cares? At the very least, you got free drug test out of it. Why not make a game out of it? See how many interviews you can get for low paying, future-less jobs that drug test. Let them pay out the nose.
Jerome
April 4, 2012 at 3:57 PM
Legislators, Officials, CXO’s, EVPs, SVPs, and the like do copious amounts of cocaine and are caught for it. What happens?
A) Nothing
B) They move to a new firm/ company/ position.
It’s hypocritical for companies to have policies that only effect new hires and upper management plays by their own rules. As the economy is still on the slow upturn (I’m being very optimistic) corporations believe they can use that to keep people under the heel; 1099s, temp hires, and asinine drug test are the major indicators you SHOULDN’T take a job that requires any of those.
On a personal note never have I been drug tested for any corporate position I’ve been in so I’m not sure what companies do this for anyone other than drones. If they do, they are just setting themselves up to get people who have no creativity or independent thought. I don’t say that because drugs increase creativity (studies show some do), but because a vast majority of people who don’t do drugs tend to be mindless sheep.
Chiara
November 19, 2012 at 12:26 AM
You’re so right! Many pot smokers are very creative types. That’s why many IT companies don’t test.
Bob
January 24, 2012 at 10:51 PM
Why would people take a test that they know they would fail?
Im sure most people did not go to the test high. Weed stays in your system for so long, im sure many of the people who failed were just hoping they would be OK. People need to work and are willing to risk failing a drug test for the opportunity to make money. After all in this world if you cant get hired they system will cut you off and you stave.
Most college grads have trouble finding a decent job out of college so drown their sorrows in some recreational drug use. Imagine graduating with tons of student loans and the only job you can get is waiting on tables. Of course im gonna get high. Getting a random call every six months from a recruiter with a job that may or may not drug test isn’t a good enough reason to abstain from smoking.
Employers, if you want bland not creative sheep toolbags working for you then by all means continue to drug test.
Billfour
December 4, 2011 at 3:21 AM
These business owners should stop testing for pot. 50% of
people that fail a drug test fail because they test positive for THC. It is
amazing how some employers think pot use is worse than an employee who drinks
alcohol. BTW- the business owner in this article sounds like an idiot. Why
wouldn’t an employee take a chance even if they know they might fail? because
of embarrassment? LOL. the only one who should be embarrassed is the idiot who
thinks pot users are drug addicts.
Joe Mo
November 17, 2011 at 5:19 AM
I am a very hard working and responsible person. I have accomplished a lot in my life so far.
That being said, I smoke marijuana. No, I’m not a “pot head”. I smoke marijuana a few times a week, in my home, and at night. I don’t drink alcohol (except a few occasions during the holidays).
I have thought about telling prospective employers that I don’t want the job after telling me I have to take a drug test before my 1st day of work. I realize it costs the company money to do this. However, I feel that I am being discriminated against (opiate addicts, anti-anxiety med addicts, cocaine users, and alcoholics can still pass a pee test with no effort) and if the company is choosing to analyze my pee after looking at my resume and a great interview, then it is their fault for the cost.
I’ve worked for a few employers that do not drug test and I’ve been nothing but an exceptional worker and a valuable team member. None of my co-workers have even known that I smoke marijuana a few times a week.
Anonymous
October 14, 2011 at 12:34 PM
“Using drugs is your choice – you just need to acknowledge choosing to do so comes with consequences” Indeed that is true. However, being an employer that chooses to drug test candidates is also a choice with consequences — the cost of the tests. If the employer is lamenting the cost of the $24,000.00 associated with failed tests, he should either quit drug testing or shut up.
N/A
September 24, 2011 at 12:19 AM
I find this to be a silly, advocating article for employers. Honestly, if an employer is stupid enough (and without legal/liable obligation) to do drug testing, then frankly, why should I care about your whining about how much money your spending and potentially losing because of failed tests?
With the increase of at-home workers, an employer has absolutely no reason to request a drug test as a prerequisite for employment. As a strong advocate of privacy rights, this is a huge sticking point for me. I may be interacting with clients, but there is absolutely no liability on the employer’s part and it certainly does invade my personal privacy, since I work in my home. I believe at some point, someone who works out of their home is going to challenge the loose federal laws of drug testing because they don’t take into consideration a virtual environment as a workplace.
For the first time, I’ve agreed to take one of these so-called tests because the economy is tough and frankly, I have nothing to lose. If my results come back positive, then I have nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. If you’re nosey enough to want to know what I do in my free time, then it’s the employer’s loss, because I can prove what my work ethic and IQ are too, but clearly I’m not having to prove those as a condition of employment.
“Using drugs is your choice – you just need to acknowledge choosing to do so comes with consequences in the form of limiting your job options. It’s a small world, failing a drug test isn’t good for your career.” Really? Tell that to all the doctors, lawyers and government workers that are making bank and are advocating the legalization of marijuana. There’s no truth in this statement and clearly the author is misinformed.
JT
September 24, 2011 at 1:26 PM
I respectfully disagree. There is overwhelming proof that my statement is true. You can use drugs all you want, but when the day comes that you apply for a job you really want and the company requires a drug test, accept the consequences. I’m sorry you don’t like the laws, and as I commented above to another reader, it’s clear many people want the rules changed, but for now, they are what they are.
Honestly, for those who want to use drugs on their own terms, there’s always the option of starting your own business – then you know for sure the boss won’t drug test you!
J.T. O'Donnell
September 29, 2011 at 10:50 PM
I respectfully disagree. There is overwhelming proof my statement is true. You can use drugs all you want, but when the time comes you apply for a job you really want and the company requires a drug test, accept the consequences. I’m sorry you don’t like the laws, and as I commented above to another reader, it’s clear many people want the rules changed – but for now they are what they are.
Honestly, for those who want to use drugs on their own terms, there’s always the option of starting your own business – then you know for sure the boss won’t drug test you!
Fu
November 15, 2011 at 11:23 PM
You’re such a misguided sheep. Does it feel good telling yourselves these lies lady? Wake up.
Kelly
December 31, 2012 at 9:35 PM
I hope you’re not referring to the drug-testing law, there isn’t one. It’s the employers decision, so it’s their liability.
eb9841
September 22, 2011 at 8:35 PM
I feel it is very unfair to judge me based on what I do outside work in my time I could smoke pot heavily the night before and be fine at work the next day, but someone who drinks heavily the night before is not going to be safe to work with the next day.. Also there is more deaths every year from alcohol and tobacc prescription drugs than pot by far…… Wake up America
JT
September 24, 2011 at 1:29 PM
I understand this perspective and appreciate your sharing. To your point, many companies have alcohol policies too. I know large corporations who have sent people home that have shown up clearly still drunk. Those who have an alcohol problem are usually found out over time due to repeated absence and poor performance. So, it comes full circle. You are right though, lots of scary situations out there with the folks who have alcohol addiction…
Chiara
November 19, 2012 at 12:36 AM
Are you kidding me? Over the years I’ve seen many execs in corner offices who were alcoholics. Teachers, too, even the local librarian where I grew up. Never saw one of them fired for being a raging drunk. You must’ve voted for Romney, you sound like a sheep (I would have said lemming, but I doubt you would have understood).
JT
September 24, 2011 at 1:29 PM
I understand this perspective and appreciate your sharing. To your point, many companies have alcohol policies too. I know large corporations who have sent people home that have shown up clearly still drunk. Those who have an alcohol problem are usually found out over time due to repeated absence and poor performance. So, it comes full circle. You are right though, lots of scary situations out there with the folks who have alcohol addiction…
J.T. O'Donnell
September 29, 2011 at 10:45 PM
I understand this perspective and appreciate you sharing. To your point, many companies have alcohol policies too. I know large corporations who have sent people home that have shown up clearly still drunk.
Those who have an alcohol problem are usually found out over time due to repeated absence and poor performance. So, it comes full circle. You are right though, lots of scary situations out there with the folks who have alcohol addiction…
Quarterpint75
September 15, 2011 at 5:10 PM
I agree with most every commenter on here. I’d like to add, I feel that drug testing specifically goes after pot users too. Since really there aren’t any other drugs that stay in your system nearly as long as pot. I could do crack/heroine/pcp/ecstasy this weekend and pass in like 2 days. Are those the people your company is nervous about?
I mean really, what happened to this previous generation of hippies, you had all the fun so now no one else can? I have issues with drug testing, accuracy, privacy and my personal advocation of marijuana to name a few… the fact that RX addictions are on the rise and as long as one of these lobbied by big pharma doctors writes you a script you have a pass?
I’ll take your stupid test, right after I take this drink here to pass, kind of more surprised that these people didn’t just cleanse really. What I do on a weekend outside of work should be my business as long as it doesn’t effect your business.
I think companies need to tell you these things in the ads or interviews. And the whole drug testing industry is out of control. If you are responsible for lives that’s one thing, but for a desk job, come on. Let’s reign in on this big brother mentality in this country, background, drug, credit checking…wonder why you can’t find candidates, if only we did this for politicians. More failed policies and wars..but hey those insurance and drug testing lobbyists they sure seem to be doing well…
Shona
December 21, 2011 at 6:38 AM
Excellent comment (and I don’t even use drugs)!
Sonny Doobieman
July 17, 2012 at 2:32 AM
I agree with you, make a point it’s not right because it is aimed straight at MJ tokers, other dangerous drugs go away fast… but yeah great stuff.
Anonymous
July 18, 2012 at 11:31 PM
I could not agree more completely with your statement – I was terminated from a job that I excelled in for falling on the lobby floor in snow and ice cause I slipped… they drug tested me when taken to the hospital and I had not smoked for three weeks – but one of the Sales Guys who drives a company vehicle drinks all day everyday and he still has a job
Quarterpint75
September 15, 2011 at 5:10 PM
I agree with most every commenter on here. I’d like to add, I feel that drug testing specifically goes after pot users too. Since really there aren’t any other drugs that stay in your system nearly as long as pot. I could do crack/heroine/pcp/ecstasy this weekend and pass in like 2 days. Are those the people your company is nervous about?
I mean really, what happened to this previous generation of hippies, you had all the fun so now no one else can? I have issues with drug testing, accuracy, privacy and my personal advocation of marijuana to name a few… the fact that RX addictions are on the rise and as long as one of these lobbied by big pharma doctors writes you a script you have a pass?
I’ll take your stupid test, right after I take this drink here to pass, kind of more surprised that these people didn’t just cleanse really. What I do on a weekend outside of work should be my business as long as it doesn’t effect your business.
I think companies need to tell you these things in the ads or interviews. And the whole drug testing industry is out of control. If you are responsible for lives that’s one thing, but for a desk job, come on. Let’s reign in on this big brother mentality in this country, background, drug, credit checking…wonder why you can’t find candidates, if only we did this for politicians. More failed policies and wars..but hey those insurance and drug testing lobbyists they sure seem to be doing well…
Anonymous
September 8, 2011 at 6:41 AM
Oh, I dunno. I understand what this article is saying, but if a company is going to be prejudiced against some drugs that may or may not cause a problem, I say take it and waste their money & time. An employee on Benedryl, alcohol, legal prescription drugs or even too much caffeine, is just as likely to cause a problem, but won’t have a problem getting the job. It’s wrong to judge someone based on their pee (or hair & blood).
Keepnitreal4u27
August 10, 2011 at 1:04 PM
Thank you for truth. Hopefully job candidates will receive this article.
Rarely will I read career advice that is candid and straightforward.
So, when I find it, I have to share it with hope that those most in need,
including myself, will be helped.
Kristen
May 25, 2011 at 4:59 PM
This kind of goes to show that you can have a wonderful candidate who meets all the qualifications and requirements and they are being disqualified for what they decide to do in their personal time. I believe unless you are applying to be a pilot, doctor, or another position of high importance- there is no need to drug test potential employees. I could understand testing for hard drugs like herion, as I can see how that can affect your job performance, but testing for soft drugs such as marijuana is a waste of time and money for both the employer and employee. In all honesty, I smoked marijuana in the past. Not only did I hold down a job, but I received numerous awards and have been praised by my managers for exceeding their expectations. However, it offends me that if I would have failed a drug test at that time for marijuana, it would make me seem like less of a person. Yes, I did smoke, and YES I did do a better job than half of the people who were drug free. We should evaluate employees based on their accomplishments and how they perform in the office- not what they do in their free time.
Pantherhawk
April 25, 2011 at 9:22 PM
The so-called ‘War on Drugs’ is a MAJOR expense for our entire country. There are people in jail (men and women) for lifetime sentences from 3rd offences for non-violent crimes like simple minor possesion of pot, yet rapists and murderers get paroled out daily because the prisons are too full (close to 50% of prison capacity is being taken up by non-violent ‘war-on-drugs’ laws offenders)
Check it out in your own area. As BccLIst said, these are antiquated ideals based on an old law that is costing our companies, states, and nation billions of tax dollars. Maybe this could be a way to help reduce the national debt – get rid of these antiquated ideals.
Add this to legalizing marijuana and taxing it, and at least part of the national debt could be eliminated (i.e., eliminating large amounts of prisoners$$$, eliminating state and gov paid for trials and lawyers$$$$$, and taxing the product itself$$$)
Wake up people. Things seriously need to change.
Detox Partner
April 14, 2011 at 4:19 PM
Whatever happened to personal responsibility and privacy. These people are turning people away from jobs while blowing a ton of money.
Luckily there are plenty of resources to help people cleanse their bodies posted on the web. Getting the toxins cleansed and having test over with is a great feeling. Getting on with your life is even better!
BccList.com
April 14, 2011 at 6:27 AM
While I’d never argue pilots, public transportation workers, train conductors, etc. shouldn’t be subject to drug testing, most companies don’t conduct them solely to alleviate risks. They do it because of Reagan’s (antiquated) war on drugs.
During Reagan’s tenure, a bill (Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988) was passed that allocated funds/contracts to small businesses and government agencies assuming they drug tested. Moreover, pressure was directly put on the Fortune 500 by the administration to lead by example (literally) and only hire employees that could pass a drug test.
In 1979, it was a rarity for Fortune 500 companies to drug test. By 1990, over 90% of the Fortune 500 drug tested. Note: I think the current number is something like 80%. Drug testing is a $700+ million (pharmaceutical) industry. Makes sense, eh?
phil20
September 29, 2010 at 7:55 AM
Maybe the compnay should rethink if only 25% pass. Maybe they are missing out on great people with a policy stuck in the 1950's.
CAREEREALISM
December 10, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Gina, you make great pointS that I should have been clearer on.
Most companies do post that there will be a drug test in the job posting. That's what I meant about checking to see. You are right, you don't want to ask outright as it will set off a red flag.
For the record, the employer who wrote in above did list it as a requirement on his job posting and this STILL happened. Hence his heightened frustration.
And, I agree with you 100%. Companies that aren't being upfront (like the one you dealt with) aren't being smart. Not only does it offend/surprise a candidate, it wastes valuable time and money.
Thank you for making those excellent points!
ginavalo
December 10, 2009 at 3:23 PM
I can appreciate the frustration an employer must feel when candidates fail drug tests. That being said, your advice to job seekers to find out if there is a drug test before applying is backwards. Asking an employer about this would only raise a red flag, even if they don't use drug testing.
I don't think an employer should care whether or not applicants use drugs, but if they choose to test applicants it should be their responsibility to disclose that in the job description and make sure candidates are aware before the interview process. This business owner could have saved himself a lot of time and money by being upfront about the process rather than blaming the applicants.
As someone who has been blindsided with a drug test by an employer, I was offended at the lack of communication up front. I knew I would pass, but I was annoyed that they would have wasted my time with interviews and negotiations. It doesn't make sense for either party and the responsibility should fall on the employer.
CAREEREALISM
December 10, 2009 at 2:41 PM
I appreciate your perspective Donnie – that's why I said it's a choice. You only have to watch Bill Mahr on HBO to know that a lot of professional people engage in using drugs. He pushes for legalization on his show regularly.
However, what do companies who have been burned by people who were under the influence do? Companies are at serious risk of being sued if something happens. That's why they do it. One person could cost the company 1000's of $$$ in legal fees. So, they feel forced to take precautionary measures.
At least those who use drugs can walk away. Ask anybody who has police record how hard it is to find a job right now – it's next to impossible. With so many people looking for work (currently 6 job seeker for every 1 job), these are the first to be put in the 'no' pile. I get e-mails from people almost every day about that.
I guess that's why it was important I share this post – I don't want people to make it even harder on themselves.
Thanks again for stopping by and sharing!
JT
Donnie
December 10, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Or, you could not drug test them. Not all people who use drugs are dirty, lazy hippies. Imagine how many would fail if everyone was tested for alcohol.
CAREEREALISM
December 10, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Gina, you make great pointS that I should have been clearer on.
Most companies do post that there will be a drug test in the job posting. That's what I meant about checking to see. You are right, you don't want to ask outright as it will set off a red flag.
For the record, the employer who wrote in above did list it as a requirement on his job posting and this STILL happened. Hence his heightened frustration.
And, I agree with you 100%. Companies that aren't being upfront (like the one you dealt with) aren't being smart. Not only does it offend/surprise a candidate, it wastes valuable time and money.
Thank you for making those excellent points!
Jake
May 18, 2013 at 8:15 PM
I was hired at a bank. There was no posting of drug test.
I had to endure 3 interviews with 3 different managers which took over an hour each time. I got hired and agreed on a start day. A week before the start date I was sent a letter stating that I had to be drug (hair)tested before the start date. Talk about waste of time. I was using painkillers at the time and taking more that prescribed. The hair test would show up to 90 days what I was using and how much. If it was just a urine test I would have passed. I just called and told them I was hired elsewhere. I did not want to take the chance.
ginavalo
December 10, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I can appreciate the frustration an employer must feel when candidates fail drug tests. That being said, your advice to job seekers to find out if there is a drug test before applying is backwards. Asking an employer about this would only raise a red flag, even if they don't use drug testing.
I don't think an employer should care whether or not applicants use drugs, but if they choose to test applicants it should be their responsibility to disclose that in the job description and make sure candidates are aware before the interview process. This business owner could have saved himself a lot of time and money by being upfront about the process rather than blaming the applicants.
As someone who has been blindsided with a drug test by an employer, I was offended at the lack of communication up front. I knew I would pass, but I was annoyed that they would have wasted my time with interviews and negotiations. It doesn't make sense for either party and the responsibility should fall on the employer.
CAREEREALISM
December 10, 2009 at 10:41 AM
I appreciate your perspective Donnie – that's why I said it's a choice. You only have to watch Bill Mahr on HBO to know that a lot of professional people engage in using drugs. He pushes for legalization on his show regularly.
However, what do companies who have been burned by people who were under the influence do? Companies are at serious risk of being sued if something happens. That's why they do it. One person could cost the company 1000's of $$$ in legal fees. So, they feel forced to take precautionary measures.
At least those who use drugs can walk away. Ask anybody who has police record how hard it is to find a job right now – it's next to impossible. With so many people looking for work (currently 6 job seeker for every 1 job), these are the first to be put in the 'no' pile. I get e-mails from people almost every day about that.
I guess that's why it was important I share this post – I don't want people to make it even harder on themselves.
Thanks again for stopping by and sharing!
JT
Donnie
December 10, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Or, you could not drug test them. Not all people who use drugs are dirty, lazy hippies. Imagine how many would fail if everyone was tested for alcohol.
ginavalo
December 10, 2009 at 7:23 AM
I can appreciate the frustration an employer must feel when candidates fail drug tests. That being said, your advice to job seekers to find out if there is a drug test before applying is backwards. Asking an employer about this would only raise a red flag, even if they don't use drug testing.
I don't think an employer should care whether or not applicants use drugs, but if they choose to test applicants it should be their responsibility to disclose that in the job description and make sure candidates are aware before the interview process. This business owner could have saved himself a lot of time and money by being upfront about the process rather than blaming the applicants.
As someone who has been blindsided with a drug test by an employer, I was offended at the lack of communication up front. I knew I would pass, but I was annoyed that they would have wasted my time with interviews and negotiations. It doesn't make sense for either party and the responsibility should fall on the employer.
CAREEREALISM
December 10, 2009 at 7:48 AM
Gina, you make great pointS that I should have been clearer on.
Most companies do post that there will be a drug test in the job posting. That's what I meant about checking to see. You are right, you don't want to ask outright as it will set off a red flag.
For the record, the employer who wrote in above did list it as a requirement on his job posting and this STILL happened. Hence his heightened frustration.
And, I agree with you 100%. Companies that aren't being upfront (like the one you dealt with) aren't being smart. Not only does it offend/surprise a candidate, it wastes valuable time and money.
Thank you for making those excellent points!
Upstatemike
April 23, 2011 at 8:39 PM
I like your point about the company just being upfront in order to save money and time, but i think that you misunderstood what the author was saying on one point. If you go to an interview and are made aware at that point that there is a drug test, accept their request to go complete the drug test, but follow up in the meantime and let them know that your are not interested in the position. He never said that you should ask the employer about drug testing.
Computerwizster
October 23, 2011 at 4:38 PM
he did say though to find out if they drug test before applying
Donnie
December 10, 2009 at 6:34 AM
Or, you could not drug test them. Not all people who use drugs are dirty, lazy hippies. Imagine how many would fail if everyone was tested for alcohol.
CAREEREALISM
December 10, 2009 at 6:41 AM
I appreciate your perspective Donnie – that's why I said it's a choice. You only have to watch Bill Mahr on HBO to know that a lot of professional people engage in using drugs. He pushes for legalization on his show regularly.
However, what do companies who have been burned by people who were under the influence do? Companies are at serious risk of being sued if something happens. That's why they do it. One person could cost the company 1000's of $$$ in legal fees. So, they feel forced to take precautionary measures.
At least those who use drugs can walk away. Ask anybody who has police record how hard it is to find a job right now – it's next to impossible. With so many people looking for work (currently 6 job seeker for every 1 job), these are the first to be put in the 'no' pile. I get e-mails from people almost every day about that.
I guess that's why it was important I share this post – I don't want people to make it even harder on themselves.
Thanks again for stopping by and sharing!
JT
kta
April 14, 2011 at 5:43 PM
You’re right that it’s just as well to make things a bit easier on yourself. That being said, not everyone who tests positive is a recreational drug user. I depend on a cocktail of drugs that I have to take everyday or die (with ‘em I’m fine, incidentally) and even if I list them all it depends on how sensitive the test is, how long term it is, and random body chemistry influences whether I’ll pass or not.
There are prison systems that have forbidden their staffs to eat poppyseed foods because it triggers a positive on opiate use (really; it isn’t an urban legend; check Snopes) and many other OTC meds for colds and the like that will trigger positives.
That’s not figuring in the factor of the overall false positive rate for the tests, how well that lab performs the test (some labs’ error rates are mindboggling. In fact, in this case, I’d have the executive check the lab out — because there’s just no way that number is legit), and the fact that the data is pretty useless against recreational use since almost all companies use urine tests, which are the least accurate of all the possible tests, and which only give you results for the past 3 days. So unless your executive is looking at a field that includes a very high number of actual addicts – which would have been obvious during the interview – he’s successfully done himself out of hiring 39 people who were most nearly what he wanted for the job. He’s looking at meaningless data, incorrectly analyzing it and making important decisions based on those numbers. I wouldn’t want to work with him.
All of that being said, in the one case where I wanted a job enough to go through the testing, I had myself tested that morning by the same lab the company used and did the company’s in the afternoon. I’d have cancelled the appointment if the first one had come back positive. It was the only way to have any certainty about what the results would probably be.
I must admit that I’m simultaneously amused and irritated by everyone here who thinks that recreational drug use is the only thing drug tests give results for. There’s no filter for “fun” on testing.
JT
September 24, 2011 at 1:32 PM
Thanks for sharing this perspective! It’s true, these drug tests are unfair to those that need certain drugs for health reasons. It’s such a Catch 22 in that if you share in the interview you take these drugs, will they then discriminate against you for it? It’s a tough situation to be in for sure. I recently was able to coach somebody through this. She got the offer and it was contingent on a drug test. We roleplayed the phone call she needed to make to the hiring manager and she carefully explained her situation. The company respected her honesty. She took the test AND got the job. So, I think there are exceptions to the rule for sure.
JT
September 24, 2011 at 1:32 PM
Thanks for sharing this perspective! It’s true, these drug tests are unfair to those that need certain drugs for health reasons. It’s such a Catch 22 in that if you share in the interview you take these drugs, will they then discriminate against you for it? It’s a tough situation to be in for sure. I recently was able to coach somebody through this. She got the offer and it was contingent on a drug test. We roleplayed the phone call she needed to make to the hiring manager and she carefully explained her situation. The company respected her honesty. She took the test AND got the job. So, I think there are exceptions to the rule for sure.
J.T. O'Donnell
September 29, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Thanks for sharing this perspective! It’s true, these drug tests are unfair to those that need certain drugs for health reasons. It’s such a Catch 22 in if you share in the interview you take these drugs, will they then discriminate against you for it? It’s a tough situation to be in for sure.
I recently was able to coach somebody through this. She got the job offer and it was contingent on a drug test. We role-played the phone call she needed to make to the hiring manager and she carefully explained her situation. The company respected her honesty. She the test AND got the job. So, I think there are exceptions to the rule for sure.
Sean
November 14, 2011 at 1:52 PM
Alcohol is alot more dangerous causes alot more problems than pot ever did. But alcohol is legal so…