Does Walmart drug test? (2024)

Whether Walmart does drug testing for new hires has been a common question in the internet world for some time now. This is because different companies in the United States impose in their regulations for hiring new employees that they previously take a drug test.

So if you are considering applying for a job at Walmart you may have had this uncertainty regarding their policies. Let us tell you that in such a case this could vary depending on many factors such as the city, the position, and even the specific Walmart location.

So, in this article, we won’t answer questions like “Are car batteries cheaper at Walmart?”, “Do veterans get a discount at Walmart?” or “How can I get hired at Walmart Fast?” Here we will tell you all about Walmart drug testing!

Does Walmart do drug testing?

In many jobs around the United States drug tests are imposed to prevent any kind of inconvenience or to verify your background. In the case of Walmart, this is not so simple, since drug testing is usually done only in certain very specific cases. It is not common for Walmart to drug test every single job position.

In fact, most of the positions for which drug testing is done are long-term positions that entail a more standardized position. That is, with a longer contract that includes within it clauses promoting drug testing. Therefore, a common position such as cashier or usher will not have to undergo a drug test before hiring.

While, on the other hand, if you are opting for a managerial position of some form, Walmart imposes a pre-employment drug test. Although, these kinds of policies are directly related to the state laws where you are located. Which makes the policy somewhat different from one Walmart branch to the next.

Will they make me take a drug test if I work in Walmart?

When we talk about Walmart, we are talking about one of the largest retail chains not only in the United States but in the entire world. With more than 2.3 million workers worldwide and a reputation behind it, this chain seeks to remain politically correct when it comes to drug use.

This situation is the same regarding the issue of alcoholic beverage consumption, where the decision to test or not is in the hands of the manager, but employees can offer suggestions. The aim is to establish a line of corporate conduct that does not end up having a negative impact on the way the company treats its employees as its main internal public.

In what positions is drug testing typically done at Walmart?

While Walmart is a really strict company about drug use in its policy, it does not make the case that every worker must be drug tested. Thus, a drug test will be presented to new workers as long as:

• The worker applies for a position as a manager or above
• The employee applies for a position in a drug-sensitive position (in the pharmacy area, where these kinds of products are normally handled)
• The employee is asked to take a random choice test
• The employee is asked to take a random choice test based on certain behavior during their work shift
• The employee has returned to work at Walmart after an accident

Walmart’s drug test policy

Walmart’s drug testing policy states that the employee must, upon request, go to the restroom without any objects apart from the container. They must then provide the sample as soon as possible so that it can be sent to the laboratory team. They in turn will be responsible for providing the results of the test performed at the request of the manager on duty.

These studies will evaluate the use of any drug such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, traces of marijuana, and even (depending on the case) alcohol. In addition, a result will be available in a period of 2 to 3 days depending on the laboratory equipment and the time the test may take to complete.

If an employee selected for drug testing refuses to take the test, they must present a specific reason. Failure to do so could result in a suspension and, in the worst case, termination of employment at Walmart. The same will happen in case it is confirmed that the sample given has been falsified or that the test comes out as positive.

Does Walmart have drug testing for its customers?

Regarding the possibility of going to Walmart to take a drug test, this is possible in all branches that have a pharmaceutical center. Thus offering 2 types of tests that can be verified both in person and virtually through their website.

These tests will cost between $12 and $15 depending on the branch and the type of exam and the answers can be required both in person and online. Similarly, here you will only have to bring the sample to the desk and the lab team will take care of the rest. Giving a result in about 2 to 3 days depending on the time it takes to examine the sample.

Similarly, Walmart presents in the pharmacy section the sale of drug test kits, either saliva or urine. This facilitates the process of making the sample for subsequent delivery to the pharmacy checkout counter.

References

• “Does Walmart Drug Test for New Hires?” Uritox, LLC, https://www.drugtestpanels.com/blogs/articles/walmart-drug-policy-everything-we-know.

• Laboratories, PeaceHealth. “Does Walmart Drug Test in 2022? New Employees Orientation Policy.” Peace for Health Labs, https://www.peacehealthlabs.org/walmart-drug-test.

• “Walmart Drug Test.” Indeed, https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Walmart/faq/drug-test.