# You Know You're Going To Fail A Pre-Employment Drug Test **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 31, 2017, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541 "2017-07-31T23:21:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/81 "2017-08-02T12:03:50Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > Let’s see. I, Mr. Pizza Hut Manager, hire you as a delivery driver. I don’t test you for recent drug use. You then have an accident while delivering one of my pizzas. The cops at the scene decide to subject you to a blood or urine test because they suspect impairment. The toxicology report comes back positive for marijuana. It matters not whether the drug was a contributing factor, maybe the accident would have happened anyway, but you have now just opened up Mr. Pizza Hut Manager and Pizza Hut Corp. to a huge lawsuit. Employers HATE it when that happens… > > There are good reasons to refuse to hire someone who cannot/will not pass a drug test. I’m not a fan of drug testing just for the sake of it, but there are definitely some jobs for which it’s necessary. And I was about to say that of all the jobs where drug testing is relevant, delivering pizzas (or delivering anything) would absolutely be one of those jobs. If a driver runs a red light and smashes into a family of four, the company is liable. If the authorities find out he was driving while under the influence of drugs, lawyers will want to know if the company that hired him even attempted to (no pun intended) weed him out. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/82 "2017-08-02T12:11:24Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I’ll let my diabetic friends know about this!! > [@HeyHomie](#): > > I don’t do drugs. I ingest plant matter from a psychoactive plant that’s been used for millenia. Seriously? This is the level of intellectual discourse on this topic? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/83 "2017-08-02T12:13:24Z")
First of all, what’s with so many people saying “it’s legal in such-and-such state”? There is no place in the US where marijuana possession or use is legal. There are places where it’s not against state law, but state law isn’t the only law we have to deal with. Lately the federal government hasn’t been putting much resources into enforcement in those states, but that could change at any moment, and even if it doesn’t, it’s still against the law even if it’s not enforced. But back to the OP. If you absolutely will not go clean for long enough to pass the test, then your best option is B. Some employers don’t want an employee who uses drugs. But no employer wants an employee who’s dishonest. And while we’re at it about honesty, let’s cut the equivocation. Someone who shoots up heroin uses drugs. Someone who smokes marijuana uses drugs. Someone who drinks beer uses drugs. Marijuana’s relative safety compared to opiates or amphetamines doesn’t make it not a drug. Its state of legality does not make it not a drug. Its botanical origin does not make it not a drug. It is a drug. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/84 "2017-08-02T12:16:51Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > Seriously? This is the level of intellectual discourse on this topic? It’s a serious reply to someone saying: > [@](#): > > Just stop using drugs. Seriously it’s not that hard and your life will be better because of it. Just pointing out that it’s a war on _some_ drugs. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/85 "2017-08-02T12:39:05Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > It’s a serious reply to someone saying: > > Just pointing out that it’s a war on _some_ drugs. I think it’s more than clear that that post was about recreational drugs than can impair one’s judgment or abilities. Quibbling over the meaning of “drugs” isn’t very productive. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/86 "2017-08-02T12:49:22Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I think it’s more than clear that that post was about recreational drugs than can impair one’s judgment or abilities. Quibbling over the meaning of “drugs” isn’t very productive. Then lets quibble over the meaning of “impair ones judgement or abilities”. Can you show me a cite in support of the claim that using cannabis Friday night will impair someone’s judgement or abilities on Monday? ETA: Might also quibble over the meaning of “recreational”. Someone in a state with legal medical cannabis, using cannabis to treat their depression. Recreational? ---
**Author:** ![Ace309](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ace309/32/1050_2.png) [@Ace309](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ace309)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/87 "2017-08-02T12:56:47Z")
> [@TheSundial](#): > > A company can’t say you can’t do something in your own time that’s legal. In your own time you can drink alcohol and smoke weed (in states where it’s legal or have medical) because it’s legal. In states where only medical is legal than I’m sure you’d have to show that you have a prescription from a doctor. It’s okay though because it’s legal. > > In those states a drug test would be for all the lethal drugs like meth, coke, heroin etc. that can kill someone. In those states that’s what’s considered a drug not weed. Very much like your ideas about how facial features are formed, this is woefully incorrect. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/88 "2017-08-02T13:58:44Z")
> [@TheSundial](#): > > A company can’t say you can’t do something in your own time that’s legal. In your own time you can drink alcohol and smoke weed (in states where it’s legal or have medical) because it’s legal. In states where only medical is legal than I’m sure you’d have to show that you have a prescription from a doctor. It’s okay though because it’s legal. > > In those states a drug test would be for all the lethal drugs like meth, coke, heroin etc. that can kill someone. In those states that’s what’s considered a drug not weed. Pot is still against Federal law even in medical cases. If you smoke pot, you are a federal criminal, according to the law. > [@Chronos](#): > > First of all, what’s with so many people saying “it’s legal in such-and-such state”? There is no place in the US where marijuana possession or use is legal. There are places where it’s not against state law, but state law isn’t the only law we have to deal with. Lately the federal government hasn’t been putting much resources into enforcement in those states, but that could change at any moment, and even if it doesn’t, it’s still against the law even if it’s not enforced. > . . . And Attorney General Sessions has stated his intention to ramp up enforcement considerably. I don’t think he really cares about sending people to jail, or helping addicts get treatment. But just think of all the liberals who will lose their voting rights when they are convicted. He’s over the moon about it guys, watch your backs. > [@kayaker](#): > > Then lets quibble over the meaning of “impair ones judgement or abilities”. Can you show me a cite in support of the claim that using cannabis Friday night will impair someone’s judgement or abilities on Monday? > > ETA: Might also quibble over the meaning of “recreational”. Someone in a state with legal medical cannabis, using cannabis to treat their depression. Recreational? Again, it doesn’t matter; it’s still against Federal Law. It’s also still against the law in some of the places you all are quoting as legal use areas. In Washington, DC, pot has been “decriminalized” up to a certain level of possession.But you still can’t sell it, or buy it, or even carry it around outside your own home. And you can still be fined for having or using it, it’s just a civil case, not a criminal one. It’s also really hard to get around in this area without crossing into a Federal territory. DC (wisely, IMHO) declares as much parkland as possible to be Federal maintenance, which also means Federal law enforcement. There’s a lot of confusion here about legal vs moral. It really doesn’t matter whether we think it’s “all right” to do it. It’s a criminal act throughout the USA until such time as the Federal law is changed. I don’t think it’s morally wrong to use pot, unless it’s keeping you from making a living. Of course, if you dig into the supply chain at all, you may end up like me, wanting nothing to do with supporting the business. That’s the main reason I never touch the stuff. In a place where it was fully legal and regulated like any other business, I might try it. Until then, I’ll pass. I just can’t see what could possibly worth all the restrictions it would place on my life. The only time it makes sense to me that people take the risk at all is in cases of medical need. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/89 "2017-08-02T14:08:08Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Then lets quibble over the meaning of “impair ones judgement or abilities”. Can you show me a cite in support of the claim that using cannabis Friday night will impair someone’s judgement or abilities on Monday? No, I’m not going to quibble over that, because I never claimed such a thing. But it’s clear that the topic under discussion is not medications to treat diabetes. Let’s not pretend that that’s relevant to the discussion. > [@](#): > > ETA: Might also quibble over the meaning of “recreational”. Someone in a state with legal medical cannabis, using cannabis to treat their depression. Recreational? You tell me. Are we talking about someone who is legitimately using a prescription medication to treat a condition or are we talking about someone who is just using it as a bogus reason to justify getting high? It’s either a medication or it’s “just something I like to do on my own time.” It can’t be both. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/90 "2017-08-02T14:10:56Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > Pot is still against Federal law even in medical cases. If you smoke pot, you are a federal criminal, according to the law. Well, that makes me and many of my friends federal criminals. WooHoo!! ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/91 "2017-08-02T14:17:23Z")
> [@TheSundial](#): > > A company can’t say you can’t do something in your own time that’s legal. In your own time you can drink alcohol and smoke weed (in states where it’s legal or have medical) because it’s legal. In states where only medical is legal than I’m sure you’d have to show that you have a prescription from a doctor. It’s okay though because it’s legal. > > In those states a drug test would be for all the lethal drugs like meth, coke, heroin etc. that can kill someone. In those states that’s what’s considered a drug not weed. Just to pile on, a company certain can do that. Some companies even prohibit cigarette smoking off duty. (although some states don’t allow that, [see below](http://labor-employment-law.lawyers.com/employment-discrimination/can-your-employer-stop-you-from-smoking.html)) > [@](#): > > Whether an employer can refuse to hire or retain employees who smoke depends on state law. A number of states, including California, Colorado, and New York, prohibit employers from discriminating against employees for lawful activities that they engage in during their off-work hours. In some states, these laws explicitly refer to tobacco use. If your state has an off-duty conduct law like this, your employer may not make job decisions based on your decision to smoke or use other tobacco products while off duty. > To date, off-duty conduct laws protect only employees who smoke tobacco, not those who smoke marijuana. So far, this is true even in states that have legalized marijuana, either for medicinal or recreational use. In one recent case, the Colorado Supreme Court upheld an employer’s decision to fire a quadriplegic employee for using medical marijuana while off duty to treat his symptoms, even though the state has long allowed medicinal use of marijuana. The state’s off-duty conduct law did not protect the employee, the Court found, because marijuana use is still illegal under federal law. Drug testing got out of hand during the 1980s and 1990s. I recall one asshole suggesting that the Washington State Bar Association drug test all lawyers. I’m quite proud of my letter to the editor of the Bar Journal stating we couldn’t afford to lose so many good judges and prosecutors. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/92 "2017-08-02T14:44:51Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Well, that makes me and many of my friends federal criminals. WooHoo!! You are probably safe, as long as you don’t make yourselves inconvenient to any highly-placed Republicans. Watch over the next few months; you’ll see it’s a vulnerability they intend to exploit. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/93 "2017-08-02T14:48:55Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Just to pile on, a company certain can do that. Some companies even prohibit cigarette smoking off duty. (although some states don’t allow that, [see below](http://labor-employment-law.lawyers.com/employment-discrimination/can-your-employer-stop-you-from-smoking.html)) > > Drug testing got out of hand during the 1980s and 1990s. I recall one asshole suggesting that the Washington State Bar Association drug test all lawyers. I’m quite proud of my letter to the editor of the Bar Journal stating we couldn’t afford to lose so many good judges and prosecutors. I would be scared as hell if my lawyer or a judge hearing my case was a regular weed user. > **[Cannabis use and cognitive dysfunction](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221171/)** ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/94 "2017-08-02T14:50:20Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > …It’s either a medication or it’s “just something I like to do on my own time.” It can’t be both. Damned right it can. I have an ex-army buddy with PTSD. After years of enjoying weed on his off time, which calmed him down and allowed him to relax and focus, he decided to go the medicinal route. Now he gets it delivered straight to his house for free, or some marginal cost, but I believe it’s free. So, his PTSD condition is well-treated by his medicinal use, which he enjoyed anyway. We’re on track for complete federal legalization here next year anyway, according to the PM. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/95 "2017-08-02T14:53:11Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > I would be scared as hell if my lawyer or a judge hearing my case was a regular weed user. > > [Cannabis use and cognitive dysfunction - PMC](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221171/) Regular? I don’t know. But once or twice a year, I’ve got no problem with that. In the “old days” when I started practicing, some of the judges would go across the street at lunch and have a couple of drinks and get back on the bench for the afternoon calendar. That seems a lot worse that smoking a joint on a Friday night. Among professionals I know, people who have jobs and kids, etc., “regular” weed use means once a month or less. We drink wine much more frequently. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/96 "2017-08-02T15:05:20Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Regular? I don’t know. But once or twice a year, I’ve got no problem with that. In the “old days” when I started practicing, some of the judges would go across the street at lunch and have a couple of drinks and get back on the bench for the afternoon calendar. That seems a lot worse that smoking a joint on a Friday night. > > Among professionals I know, people who have jobs and kids, etc., “regular” weed use means once a month or less. We drink wine much more frequently. I agree with the occasional Friday night usage. I would hope that they remember that even a small mistake can adversely affect the life of a client who puts their freedom/reputation/finances into their hands. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/97 "2017-08-02T18:29:00Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > Seriously? This is the level of intellectual discourse on this topic? Well, lumping pot, aspirin, caffeine, and heroin in under "drugs’ make that term pretty fucking useless. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/98 "2017-08-02T18:30:45Z")
> [@kopek](#): > > You pick your tentative schedule, take your drug test, and several things at the time of application. The way we eat people, the no-vacancy light has never been turned on. And that goes for CA as well. :o Sure. But the drug test (in CA) has to be the final thing- if they pass they get the job. It cant be pre-screening. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/99 "2017-08-02T18:49:42Z")
> [@drewder](#): > > A Much better option is available than to stop using drugs in order to pass the drug test. Just stop using drugs. Seriously it’s not that hard and your life will be better because of it. Aspirin and Caffeine also? ---
**Author:** ![drewder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2017, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541/100 "2017-08-02T19:55:58Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Aspirin and Caffeine also? I don’t know about aspirin, although I don’t believe there is much abuse potential for aspirin, but caffeine isn’t doing you any good either. One thing I have noticed however for my friends who used drugs is that they stopped maturing the moment they start taking the drug. For example if they start using pot at 14 they remain mentally 14 until they manage to stop using. At which point they begin to mature at the normal rate so a year later they’re 15 year olds. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-youre-going-to-fail-a-pre-employment-drug-test/792541.md?page=6)