Does Verizon Drug Test in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
Wondering if you‘ll have to take a drug test for that Verizon job? With changing attitudes towards cannabis, many big companies are revamping their drug screening policies.
Verizon has followed this trend – significantly relaxing testing over the past few years. But requirements can vary depending on your role.
So what‘s the real deal on drug testing at Verizon in 2024? What substances do they screen for? Who gets tested and when? Let‘s dig into Verizon‘s current drug testing rules so you know what to expect.
A Major Shift: No More Pre-Employment Testing
One of the biggest changes in Verizon‘s drug policy is ending pre-employment screening in 2018[1]. This means new hires are no longer required to take a drug test.
The policy shift came shortly after Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana. With cannabis usage becoming mainstream, Verizon adapted their hiring practices[2]
This contrasted sharply with the past. A few years ago, all new employees automatically had to complete drug testing. But today, Verizon has clearly backed off screening for entry-level roles.
How Common are Pre-Employment Drug Tests?
To understand Verizon‘s policy, it helps to look at wider industry trends. The percentage of US employers conducting pre-employment drug testing has declined steadily over the past 15 years[3]:
| Year | % of Employers Drug Testing |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 81% |
| 2010 | 73% |
| 2015 | 66% |
| 2019 | 56% |
With talent shortages in many regions, companies face pressure to reduce screening barriers. Eliminating pre-employment tests helps widen the hiring pool.
Other major telecoms including AT&T and T-Mobile still require new hires to complete drug testing. But Verizon is one of a growing number of brands ending automatic pre-employment checks – a major advantage if you want to avoid testing.
When Can Verizon Require a Drug Test?
So when does Verizon mandate drug testing nowadays? While pre-employment screening is out, some situations still warrant a test:
Reasonable suspicion: Employees can be tested if a supervisor believes they seem impaired, intoxicated, or under the influence on the job. Signs like slurred speech, unsteadiness, or smelling like alcohol or cannabis could prompt testing.
Post-accident: Employees must submit to a drug test if involved in an on-the-job accident causing injuries or property damage. This is standard workers‘ compensation procedure.
Random testing: Verizon does not perform random drug tests on existing employees, only new applicants. Once hired, you won‘t face arbitrary testing.
Mandatory post-accident testing is still very common. But "reasonable suspicion" testing gives managers wide discretion. To avoid any issues, it‘s smart to steer clear of discussing drug use at work.
And if you have used cannabis or other substances recently, be cautious reporting to work under the influence. Impairment on the job can still get you sent for screening.
What Drugs Are Tested For?
Verizon uses urine drug testing to screen for common illegal drugs and prescription medication abuse. Typically they test for:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Opiates like heroin and codeine
- Amphetamines/methamphetamines
Notably, Verizon has continued including marijuana on standard tests – despite relaxing their overall policies. This contrasts with some other brands removing cannabis testing completely[4].
Prescription opiates like Vicodin and anxiety medications like Valium may also trigger a positive test result unless you provide proof of a valid prescription.
What‘s the Testing Procedure Like?
If mandated to take a drug test, here‘s how it typically goes:
You‘ll be instructed to go to an approved lab facility and provide a urine sample. This is observed to prevent tampering.
The sample gets screened for the presence of various substances using an immunoassay test.
If that initial screen comes back positive, the lab will run a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) confirmation test.
GC/MS tests identify precise drug compounds and levels. This eliminates false positives from things like poppyseeds causing an ‘opiate‘ response.
The final lab report gets sent to Verizon‘s Medical Review Officer (MRO) – normally within 1-3 days.
The MRO reviews results, checks for valid prescriptions, and contacts you to discuss positives. They make the final call on whether it‘s a true failed test.
Verizon aims to complete the entire review and decision process within one week. But backlogs can sometimes delay results.
What Happens If You Fail a Verizon Drug Test?
A failed drug test won‘t lead to criminal charges for existing employees. But it may result in termination – especially for safety-sensitive jobs.
Outcomes depend on your role, employment status, and the situation:
During hiring: Failing a pre-employment drug test means your contingent job offer will get revoked. Verizon rescinds offers for failed applicants.
As a new hire: Failing orientation screening may lead to immediate dismissal in your probation period.
As a regular employee: Expect an investigation and likely disciplinary action up to firing. But outcomes vary case by case.
In serious accidents, a failed drug test can also weaken your position in liability claims. It shows negligence that increases responsibility for damages.
Bottom line: Don‘t risk your job by reporting for work impaired by drugs. Stay clean and avoid discussing illegal drug use on the premises.
The Takeaway: Most Roles Don‘t Get Tested
Verizon‘s drug testing program has relaxed significantly from past zero-tolerance policies. The main takeaways on Verizon‘s current approach:
- No more pre-employment screening for most positions
- Marijuana testing still included despite policy shifts
- Reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing remain
- Failing a mandated test brings disciplinary action
While nothing is guaranteed, you can feel reassured that Verizon job applicants don‘t face blanket testing today. Unless required for your specific role, pre-employment checks are probably not something to worry about.
Just use good judgment if you participate in recreational marijuana or other drugs. With testing still authorized in certain situations, it‘s smart to keep usage away from work to avoid any complications.
