speaking of taking tests for a job... drug tests...

runmikeyrun · #1 11-21-2011, 09:26 AM

It seems that most places anymore require you to take a drug test for a job, even jobs at gas stations and the like. Now, i've never ever used drugs or drank alcohol (i know, quite rare for a musician!) so this doesn't bother me. However, I do have an issue with how the tests are "scored" so to speak. The way most tests are given, certain drugs only show up a couple of days post-use, including hard drugs like coke, amphetamines, and opiates, but marijuana can show for 30 days. Tobacco can be for a month or more. And even if you're a alcoholic you can sober up for 12 hours before the test and still pass.

I don't smoke weed but I think there is a functional difference between the daily smoker and the guy who gets high at a party once or twice a month. So you're going to disqualify the guy who smoked 3 weeks ago at a party, whereas the guy who does recreational coke can still pass. That and they don't test for certain drugs like LSD, ecstacy, and shrooms. Don't even get me started on tobacco... i don't smoke but I know it's simply a ruse to save money on health insurance costs for the company and not about employee health.

I am starting to think it's a form of discrimination based on the fact that the test isn't fair across the board. By setting different thresholds for drugs it's possible to test up to 90 days back, yet they don't.

What do you think? Invasion of personal privacy or justifiable?

carlos840 · #2 11-21-2011, 09:38 AM

Invasion of personal privacy!

As someone who smokes a splif once in a while (around once every other month) i would hate to loose my job for something so meaningless knowing that some massive coke head could get away with it!

I understand people dont want to employ someone who is going to be stoned at work, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt be able to get off your face in your own home!

I do think that tobacco is a different issue, it is bad for you but will have little to no repercussion on your ability to work! (unless you work in a gas station!)

Metal Matt · #3 11-21-2011, 09:40 AM

Invasion of personal privacy. What someone does off the job should be of absolutely no concern to an employer.

As far as marijuana goes, it's absurd to keep people who choose to use a safer recreational alternative to alcohol, and to keep people who find medical benefits from it, from getting a job.

PSPookie · #4 11-21-2011, 09:42 AM

I agree with the invasion of privacy thing and have been preaching this for years.

FWIW, if one were only to indulge in MJ on rare occasions, the metabolloids they test for will only remain in sufficient concentration to cause a positive result for a few days.

Jinro · #5 11-21-2011, 10:03 AM

It's only an invasion of privacy for the use of legal drugs like tobacco and alcohol. If you're using an illegal substance, or doing something illegal, there is no such thing as privacy, as you've given up your right to privacy by breaking the law.

As far as weed, I'm on the fence. On rare occasions I really don't see a problem with it. But if you're a complete stoner, that's different.

My $0.0002. If you don't like it, well good for you.

MatticusMania · #6 11-21-2011, 03:39 PM

As someone who smokes herb daily (never while at work) I can atest that it is fairly easy to pass a pee test. Also, I live/work in a state that has legalized medicinal marijuana, and am a car carrier. Regardless of that, a potential employer can still choose not to higher me (lol) for testing positive for MJ.

Solution: $30 bottle of Niacin, followed by lots of water, at least one hour before being tested.