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Yes, Costco does drug test. Costco requires drug tests for illicit substances during the pre-employment and orientation process. Costco prides itself on having a strict drug- and alcohol-free workplace to allow for a safe shopping and working environment.
According to Costco's policy, all prospective and current employees in any Costco location must be free of the influence of unauthorized substances.
Costco specifically prohibits employees from engaging in the following conduct while working, while on company premises, while conducting company business at any location, or while utilizing company vehicles, machinery or equipment:
The use, possession, purchase, sale, solicitation, manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or transfer of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
The unauthorized possession of open containers of alcohol or use of alcohol at any point during the workday, including meal periods
Being under the influence of unauthorized substances
The use of inhalants
Refusal to cooperate in a drug or alcohol test required by this policy
Reporting for duty or remaining on duty with the presence of adverse effects of any unauthorized substance in an employee’s system
To ensure compliance with the policy, Costco will conduct drug and alcohol testing for unauthorized substances in the following situations:
Pre-Employment Testing: urine test at a third-party lab
Reasonable Suspicion Testing: if a manager suspects an employee is using or is under the influence of an unauthorized substance while the employee is working, Costco may require the employee to undergo a drug and/or alcohol test
Post-Accident Testing: When an employee causes or contributes to a work-related accident that results in damage to Costco vehicles, machinery, equipment or property, or results in an injury to a person who requires off-site medical treatment, the employee will be required to submit to a drug and alcohol test as soon as possible following the accident
Return to Duty and Follow-Up Testing: an employee who has signed a Contract for Continued Employment (CCE) and has undergone a substance abuse evaluation, whether or not through the Care Network, will not be permitted to return to duty without passing any appropriate drug and/or alcohol tests
Employees are allowed to smoke cigarettes or vape in designated areas outside of the store, warehouse, or office.
Typically, Costco will provide candidates with five to ten-minute drug tests during their interviews. Current and former employees report that this is a saliva test. Saliva tests are used because they’re quick and easy, but unlike urine tests, mouth swab tests can only detect the presence of drugs from five to 48 hours.
These tests also require you to refrain from consuming food or beverages 10 minutes prior to specimen collection, as that can make the sample illegible and unviable.
If the saliva test doesn’t work for some reason, you may be asked to take a urine test. Though, this is rare.
Overall, the results of this test will play an important part in whether or not you’re hired, so if you take any prescription drugs, be sure to let the hiring manager know before your interview.
Additionally, Costco is known to randomly test employees as well. Again, regardless of the position you’re working in. With that in mind, you can see why the company’s drug policy is considered strict.
Costco is fairly thorough with its drug testing. This includes marijuana, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opioids, cocaine, and more. While the company’s biggest interest is in rooting out anything illegal, marijuana still proves to be an issue.
That’s important to note because, as of 2021, Costco’s drug policy has remained strict despite growing recreational and medical legalizations of marijuana around the country.
According to the company, “The use of marijuana, even if permitted by state law, will not be considered a legitimate medical explanation by Costco, and its MRO, for a positive drug test result for marijuana.”
As mentioned previously, though, it’s important to relay any information about medications you’re taking that could give you a positive result. If you take doctor-prescribed pain killers, show the hiring manager before your drug test.
Costco has a strict, overarching drug test policy regardless of the state or region your store is in. Expect to take a saliva test during your interview and occasionally in the workplace after you’re hired.
While shifting legalizations and public opinion may sway Costco away from its drug testing position, as of 2021, it’s not a great idea to apply if you know you use medical marijuana or other substances.