National Testing Services Contact

Drug testing in Washington

State laws, marijuana laws, and employer compliance

Recreational marijuana: LegalMedical marijuana: LegalDOT rules apply nationwide
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For employers

Washington drug testing laws

Governing law

Washington drug testing laws; Washington Medical Marijuana Program; Washington pre-employment marijuana law (effective January 1, 2024)

What you can do

Employer rights

  • Pre-employment drug screens are allowed
  • Random testing is usually permitted, especially for safety-sensitive roles
  • Reasonable-suspicion testing is lawful
  • Post-accident testing is allowed
  • Return-to-duty and follow-up testing are permitted
  • Employers may ban drug use and impairment at work
  • Employers may refuse to hire or terminate workers who violate lawful testing policies
What you must do

Compliance requirements

  • Keep written drug testing policies
  • Apply testing procedures consistently and fairly
  • Use certified laboratories
  • Define workplace impairment standards clearly
  • Follow federal rules for DOT-regulated and safety-sensitive industries

Washington specifics

Washington Pre-Employment Marijuana Law

  • Since January 1, 2024, employers generally cannot discriminate against applicants solely for off-duty marijuana use
  • Most employers cannot rely on pre-employment marijuana tests for hiring
  • Exceptions cover safety-sensitive positions, federal contractors, law enforcement, and roles requiring federal compliance

Cannabis

Washington marijuana laws

Recreational · Legal

Recreational use

  • Legal for adults 21 and older
  • Personal possession and use allowed under state law
  • Public consumption restrictions still apply
Medical · Legal

Medical use

  • Legal for qualified patients under the state's medical marijuana program
At work

Workplace impact

  • Employers may still bar marijuana use and impairment during work hours
  • Employers may discipline impaired employees
  • Safety-sensitive positions remain heavily regulated
  • Federal law overrides state protections in certain industries

Best practices

Staying compliant in Washington

Write detailed drug-free workplace policies
Understand Washington's pre-employment marijuana protections
Define impairment and safety-sensitive standards clearly
Monitor changes in cannabis law
Use certified testing providers
Apply testing rules consistently and fairly

Our services

Testing services in Washington

NTS provides accurate, confidential, and legally defensible testing through our nationwide collection network.

Urine drug testingHair follicle testingOral fluid (saliva) testingNail drug testingDOT drug and alcohol testingCourt-ordered testingRandom and pre-employment screening

Sources & legal references

  1. Washington State Human Rights Commission
  2. Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
  3. Washington Medical Marijuana Program
  4. Washington State Legislature
  5. U.S. DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Regulations
  6. NCSL Marijuana Laws by State

Laws change often. This page is general information, not legal advice. Check official state agencies or consult legal counsel for current requirements.

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Testing employees in Washington?

Call the office to set up a compliant program, or schedule onsite collections.

Office601-602-2445 Onsite601-633-7733
Visit1520 Adeline St, Ste. 20, Hattiesburg, MS 39401