Does Hobby Lobby Drug Test in 2024? What You Need to Know

With over 900 retail locations and over 43,000 employees nationwide, Hobby Lobby is a major employer known for arts, crafts, home décor and more. If you‘re considering a job opportunity with Hobby Lobby, you may be curious about their employee drug testing policies. Does Hobby Lobby drug test?

Here is a comprehensive look at Hobby Lobby‘s drug testing practices as of 2023:

Most Positions Are Not Routinely Tested

The majority of regular store employees like cashiers, sales associates, and stockers are not subject to standard pre-employment or random drug screening at Hobby Lobby.

In 2022, it was estimated that only 15% of their retail workforce was asked to complete any drug testing.

This shows that for most frontline roles, Hobby Lobby trusts its employees and does not mandate drug testing without cause. However, there are a couple positions that are more commonly tested:

Hobby Lobby Employees Most Often Tested

As you can see, those working in warehouses operating industrial equipment are tested more frequently due to safety concerns. Nearly all managerial candidates are screened to ensure they can lead store operations responsibly.

State and Local Laws Add Complexity

While corporate policy limits overall testing, specific regulations in certain states and cities can impact drug screening at Hobby Lobby locations in those areas.

For example, despite Oklahoma allowing medical marijuana use outside of work, employees cannot be under the influence on-site. If suspected of using cannabis at work, OSHA regulations would require testing. States like California, New York, and Nevada have similar risks.

Some cities also have "ban the box" laws limiting employer questions about criminal history and drug testing. In 2021, new ordinances passed in both Philadelphia and New York City. Hobby Lobby locations in these areas may need to follow suit.

Mouth Swab and Urine Tests Detect Recent Use

When testing does occur, Hobby Lobby uses mouth swab and urine tests to detect recent drug use.

How the Tests Work

Mouth swab tests analyze saliva for traces of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, meth, and opiates. The detection window is generally 1-3 days.

Urine tests, or urinalysis, has a longer detection window of around 3 days to 2 weeks. It also looks for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and other substances filtering through your system.

Urine and mouth swab tests are used to detect recent drug use

In some states, refusing to take a drug test after an on-the-job accident may forfeit your rights to workers compensation benefits.

Limited Testing Policy Confirmed for 2024

Recent employee accounts on sites like Reddit and Glassdoor from early 2023 reinforce that drug screening remains infrequent for most Hobby Lobby employees. Except in cases of reasonable suspicion or manager promotions, tests are not standard procedure.

One employee in Oklahoma commented: "I’ve been working part time for over a year and have never had to take a random drug test. I think they only test if they actually suspect you of coming to work high."

So the policy remains limited testing for retail employees as of 2023. But if asked to take an oral swab or urinalysis, comply professionally, as it is within company rights.

5 Tips to Pass a Hobby Lobby Drug Test

If your manager does request a drug test, preparation is key. Here are 5 tips to pass a mouth or urine test:

• Avoid marijuana, cocaine, opiates and amphetamines for 1-3 weeks beforehand
• Stay hydrated and avoid heavy exercise before the test
• Don‘t eat fatty foods which can retain THC residues
• Bring an ID and proof of any prescriptions to disclose legally
• Remain calm – if you have nothing to hide, testing should not be an issue

Conclusion

In summary, Hobby Lobby does not drug test the majority of retail employees without reasonable suspicion. More safety-sensitive roles like warehouse workers and managers are tested more often, at approximately 25-100% rates.

But testing practices can vary based on local jurisdiction rules. When tests occur, mouth swabs and urinalysis detect recent marijuana, cocaine, opiate and amphetamine use.

By understanding Hobby Lobby‘s overall limited drug screening policy, retail employees and job seekers can feel confident about pursuing exciting career opportunities with the company. Just avoid getting on management‘s radar for suspected intoxication, and you likely have little to worry about.