Does Amazon Drug Test? (& How To Pass It Safely)

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Being one of the largest retailers in the United States, Amazon typically has thousands of job openings at any given moment.

If you are thinking about seeking a job there, it’s important to know what to expect in terms of drug testing.

Does Amazon Drug Test?

Although most private employers are not required by law to have drug-free workplace policies, the tech giant Amazon adheres to a strict standard of procedure in their hiring process.

Like any other company, Amazon is keen to protect themselves from drug-related safety hazards and the lawsuits that follow.

They perform an oral-fluid drug test for all their new hires and random screening on existing employees. We’ve also seen some employees and former employees say that for certain positions like HR, a urine drug test is used.

When does Amazon Carry out the Drug Test?

As a standard procedure, the drug test occurs in Amazon’s hiring process after an interview or orientation session.

Amazon uses a mouth swab test to check for drugs. You will be required to submit an oral-fluid sample when prompted. Amazon then makes a hiring decision based on the results of your drug test.

There seem to be some cases – likely when applying for higher up positions like HR – where a urine test may be administered. It’s a good idea to be ready for either a mouth swab or urine test.

If you are on any prescription medication, you should disclose your medical condition well in time rather than risk failing the drug test. Amazon might make exceptions if you are on temporary medication or being monitored by a physician for health issues.

Keep in mind; if you secure placement as an employee at Amazon, you may be asked to take a random drug test occasionally if there’s any reason to suspect that you may be on drugs.

A drug test may also be required after a workplace accident.

What Does the Drug Test Look For?

Amazon uses a six-panel test that looks for the following drugs in your system.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Schedule II Opiates, i.e., oxycodone, Percocet
Street Meth/ amphetamines
Heroin
Cocaine

Even though pre-employment and random drug tests at Amazon do not check for alcohol, we strongly suggest not consuming alcohol days before the interview.

If you are applying for or working in a safety-sensitive position, a hint of alcohol in your system could spoil your chances.

What Happens If You Refuse To Be Tested?

Amazon will notify you through a written pre-employment drug testing policy document in the initial application or job posting of what is expected of you as a candidate.

The Policy includes a clause which states that a refusal to be tested will be treated as a positive result. This means that if you refuse to consent to a drug test, the same measures applied to a case of a failed drug test will be applied in your case.

What Happens If You Fail A Pre-Employment Drug Test?

In case Amazon finds that you are no longer a viable candidate for placement due to a failed drug test, you can reapply.

Your result database is stored in their system for approximately four months, after which you are eligible for reapplication.

How to Pass an Amazon Drug Test

Being drug-free is the best way to pass the test. If you know you are going in for an interview in a few weeks, stop taking any drugs, and begin naturally detoxing.

Exercise regularly, eat foods rich in fiber and lean proteins, and drink a lot of water. This will help flush drugs out of your body.

One advantage of an oral test is that drug detection times are typically short. It’s 36 hours for marijuana, 24 hours for cocaine, and just 6 hours for LSD. So even if you smoked a joint last week, you should be okay.

If you only have a day or two, try the following.

Brush your teeth several times a day.
Drink a lot of water.
Use cleansing mouth wash.
Chew saliva detox gum.

The detox gum and cleansing mouth wash are ideal if you have only a few minutes to get ready for a mouth swab.

A urine test is trickier. It can detect marijuana usage in the last one week and up to a month for chronic users.

With enough time, natural detox can help you pass a urine test.

If you don’t have time, use a detox kit such as Toxin Rid or take a detox drink to mask the presence of drugs in your urine.

Additional Resources

Jay Z

My name is Jay Wilson, but my friends call me JZ. Originally from Atlanta I now live in Denver, CO where things are ‘freer’ these days. Several years ago, I put this site up for a friend who asked me to find ways to beat his upcoming hair drug test. Fast-forward to today, I’ve answered more than 1,000 questions about the hair drug test and proven ways to beat it. I am an expert in the hair test – ask me anything!