Employee drug testing has become more prevalent over the years, and it makes sense why this would be the case.
Many companies screen their employees and applicants for illegal drug use to maintain a safe work environment.
One of these employers is e-commerce giant Amazon, which subjects all applicants to drug tests as part of its employment process.
They will want to know that their employees are safe, productive, and acting according to their code of conduct and policies, especially if they are using dangerous machinery or operating vehicles on behalf of the business while under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol.
If you’re an Amazon employee or are in the process of being interviewed to become one, you’ve probably already heard of the company’s stringent background check and drug test policies.
Learn more about what to do if you receive an Amazon failed drug test email.
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What Does an Amazon Failed Drug Test Email Mean?
One of the most common reasons employers would ask their employees to take drug tests is that they’re concerned about drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace.
Amazon’s mouth swab drug test works by testing for traces of drugs in your saliva.
The drug test doesn’t detect marijuana specifically but is more sensitive to THC, which is one of marijuana’s key active ingredients.
The device tests for cocaine and other illicit substances like amphetamines and methamphetamines.
If an employee fails a drug test, Amazon will usually inform them of this via email from the company’s Human Resources department or another designated contact person.
A failed drug test email from Amazon means that you tested positive for one or more illegal drugs when subjected to a mouth swab test.
Do You Still Have a Chance at Working at Amazon?
If you’ve been denied an offer due to not passing your drug test, don’t worry.
Amazon will not divulge your findings to a third party or other company.
You can work on getting clean and reapply for an offer when you’re ready.
The Consequences of Failing a Test
A positive result on a drug test could have severe consequences for your career.
Your employer might require you to go through an assessment, which should take place at an authorized clinic or rehabilitation center.
The employer determines whether you have a drug problem or not.
If yes, you will be required to attend treatment until your employer permits you to return to work.
A suspension can range from 30 days to a year, depending on your workplace’s policy.
Depending on what you’re using, your employer might also make you pay for any treatment programs they require.
If you fail another drug test during your suspension, it could get extended even further.
Before you even begin your employment search, be sure to check out an employer’s policy on drug testing.
If you fail one of Amazon’s drug tests, it will automatically disqualify you from consideration for any job at the company.
If you already have a job offer with Amazon and subsequently fail a test, they may decide to fire you based on failure to meet standards.
How Do I Contact Amazon About My Drug Test?
Contacting an organization like Amazon is straightforward.
Customer support is always available through phone and email.
You can also reach out to their help pages for further details about their services.
Can You Fight A False Positive Drug Test?
Though unlikely, a false-positive result can occur in drug testing when test results are positive for drugs or drug metabolites that are not present in a sample.
A false positive drug test may occur because of laboratory or human errors, such as labeling errors or incorrect procedures during sample collection.
Alternatively, certain diseases and conditions may cause tests to appear positive for illicit substances.
Many people have gone to drug tests and gotten into trouble when falsely accused of using drugs.
Drug tests can sometimes be wrong, and if you feel like this happened to you, it’s essential to know what options you have.
You should consult with your doctor and ensure he has all of your medical records and information available if they ask questions or need clarification.
However, you can request another test conducted within seventy-two hours of your initial one in many situations.
If it comes back negative, Amazon will hopefully take no further action against you, and they will void your previous results from your record.
Be sure to check your Amazon employee handbook and speak with your HR department to see what they recommend.
It’s also critical to contact an attorney specializing in employment law if you think your drug test has been a false positive.
This way, you can ask questions and make sure you understand how drug testing works and what your legal options are.
How Long Does It Take To Find Out If You Failed A Drug Test?
Whether it’s because you have to get back to work or simply because you want to know the results right away, waiting to find out your drug test results can be extremely nerve-wracking.
Most tests take 3-5 business days to process.
However, each lab has different processing times.
Some labs deliver results in as few as 48 hours, and others take up to 5 days.
You should receive your Amazon drug test results within two weeks as a rule of thumb.
Most tests occur at accredited labs, so there’s no waiting time once they mail them off.
The only exception to this timeline is if you live in a small town or rural area where a lack of adequate personnel and equipment can delay lab processing.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Retake a Drug Test at Amazon?
It will take you about 120 days after failing a drug test to reapply for a position at Amazon.
If you feel that a second test is necessary after 120 days, contact your HR representative for more information.
Updates In The Law
Under the provisions of the law, employers can not compel any employee to undergo drug testing for an illegal substance without prior knowledge and notice of the company’s drug-testing policy.
Most states only allow drug testing if:
- The candidate is aware beforehand that drug testing is part of the screening process and agrees to the terms
- The job is conditional on passing a drug test
- Employers test All job applicants in the same way
- A state-certified laboratory administers the testing
Why Amazon Is Backing Away From Drug Testing Employees For Marijuana
Amazon is backing away from what it calls its strict zero-tolerance policy.
It has decided not to discipline employees for using marijuana if they live in states where recreational or medical cannabis use is legal.
Even though marijuana is illegal under federal law and on most state laws, nearly half of all states have some form of legalized cannabis use.
A total of eighteen states allow recreational use without a doctor’s prescription.
An additional thirteen states have decriminalized the use of marijuana.
This change by Amazon may influence other companies to consider changing their policies.
Marijuana usage rates are going up among employees across industries, except those who work in fields riskier than others, like driving and manufacturing.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, failing a drug test is a severe matter and could significantly impact your career.
It is entirely understandable if you are worried about a failed drug test.
However, take the time to respond appropriately.
Otherwise, you could end up hurting your chances of being hired in the future with Amazon and other companies.
If you are clean and pass your test, there’s no reason to worry as long as you maintain a drug-free lifestyle in general. Remember, marijuana stays in your system for over 30 days.
