If you've been prescribed opioids or medical cannabis, you should be sure to relay this information to your manager. They will take each person on a case-by-case basis. If you live in a state where cannabis is legal, then you may be asked to retake the test in a few weeks to ensure a clean result.
Yes. Given that USPS is a delivery service and a semi-federal one at that, they’ll want to ensure that you can drive safely and coherently. However, most drug tests are done on new hires, not established employees.
In addition to their no drug policy, USPS also has a Last Chance Agreement, meaning that if an employee fails a drug or alcohol test, that employee will be permitted to complete a rehabilitation program and pass another drug test before returning to duty.
For USPS, the most drug tests that occur are pre-employment drug tests. This accounts for over 65% of their drug tests.
Most employees report taking a urine test during or right after their first interview. Urine tests have a relatively quick return rate, so everyone will know the results sooner. In addition, the USPS also favors urinalysis because it will reveal the presence of drugs in your system even if their effects have worn off.
Though, current employees sometimes need to take drug tests as well. For example, if a worker files for Workman’s Compensation, they need to take a drug test. This is because the USPS wants to ensure that drugs aren’t the reason for the request. After all, if accepted, they’ll be required to give the employee benefits because of work-related injury or illness.
Therefore, if the employee became injured while high or intoxicated, the USPS will have the right to refuse compensation.
Additionally, both types of employees may be tested if a manager or supervisor has cause for reasonable suspicion, i.e., if an employee seems under the influence while working.
With all that in mind, it’s especially important to stay drug-free while applying for the USPS. However, you won’t have to worry about random drug tests once you’re hired.
Typically, the USPS will employ the use of a urine test if drug testing is required. Urine tests will uncover things like:
However, it’s important to note that your prescriptions can play a role in drug testing. If you’ve been prescribed opioids or medical marijuana, you should be sure to relay this information to your manager. If USPS has no reason to suspect that you’re using it on the job, they may be more reasonable about these prescriptions.
Though, if you apply for Workman’s Comp, even the presence of prescription drugs can prevent you from receiving compensation.
The USPS is a strict drug tester regarding pre-employment drug testing, as all potential employees will have to take one. However, current employees will rarely undergo drug testing, if ever, unless they’re filing for Workman’s Comp or under reasonable suspicion.