Yes, Walgreens drug tests its employees. Walgreens requires that all employees complete a drug test prior to employment as a condition of hiring. This drug screening will typically be conducted after the interview but before starting work at Walgreens. Walgreens has a strict drug and alcohol-free workplace policy. Therefore, they may conduct random drug tests during employment, as well as after an accident or other workplace incident that may have reasonably been caused by drug and alcohol abuse. Walgreens requires employees who are submitting to a drug test to complete a five-panel urine drug test. If this test comes back positive, the company may consider this as cause for disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Those using non-prescription drugs should keep in mind that they may be tested for these substances at any time and that Walgreens reserves the right to fire or refuse employment to those who test positive for these substances. If you are taking prescription medications that may be controlled substances, be sure to contact your medical provider so they can explain this to your employer. Walgreens is a major employer with over 450,000 individuals working across its many locations. As a result, they frequently hire part-time and full-time roles, with the most commonly open position as customer service associate. With all this in mind, you may be wondering about the details of employment at Walgreens, particularly whether or not they drug test.
Walgreens runs drug screenings and background checks for all employees before they are hired. You will be required to complete this drug screening before you are hired, typically after your first interview. When it’s time to take the drug test, you cannot delay or reschedule it; you must do it at the scheduled time or refuse employment. Former employees report that there may also be frequent random drug tests for store employees. Depending on the location and specific needs, you may be required to complete a yearly random drug test. If any individual employee is suspected of using drugs or being under the influence while at work, they will be subject to an immediate drug screening. Walgreens facilities operate as pharmacies and hold many medications and controlled substances within them, so they observe a strict zero-tolerance policy for any drug use.
Even in places where recreational marijuana is legal, Walgreens still reserves the right to fire or refuse employment to anyone who tests positive for substances such as THC.
If passing the drug screening is of any concern to you, keep in mind the timeframes for usage. Drinking lots of water is also generally a good rule of thumb for getting a good sample.