If you’ve ever done any kind of home improvement work then you’ll be familiar with Lowe’s. It’s one of the largest retail chains in the United States and the company specializes in home improvement. When it comes to hardware chains, Lowe’s is only 2nd to The Home Depot. I have received many inquiries from people asking me “Does Lowe’s drug test new employees?”
People have different reasons for employment. Some are looking for experience while others need the money. Regardless of your reason, if you’re a recreational drug user, finding a job can be hard as most companies still prefer to drug test. I decided do my own research on the topic to help people out.
Lowe’s Company Facts
Lowe’s is one of the leading retail companies in the world. On the national and international levels it’s only 2nd to The Home Depot. It’s still ahead of many of its European counterparts. The company was founded 99 years ago in North Carolina and has been blooming ever since. There are over 2,000 locations and the company employs over 300,000 people in the country.
There are several jobs that you can apply for at Lowe’s. The company needs managers, cashiers, and people to work in restocking, drivers, and others. Whatever your background may be, there will most likely be work for you at Lowe’s.
Lowe’s Drug Test Policy in 2024
Lowe’s has a string no drug use policy. It’s the second largest retail chain in the country and the world so it makes a lot of sense that they won’t tolerate any drug use from their employees. Customer complaints can definitely hurt the company’s reputation so they try to avoid these kinds of issues as much as possible.
When drug tested at Lowe’s you will be screened for several drugs. These include but aren’t limited to THC, amphetamines, opioids, cocaine, barbiturates, and others.
What to Expect during Lowe’s Hiring Process?
The hiring process at Lowe’s can vary from one store to the other. That’s why I found different experiences from people who work there. The first thing to do is to apply for a job there and then wait for them to call you. They will call you to set up an interview if you’re qualified for the job you’re applying to.
You will need to go in for an interview. If you do well on your interview, you will need to take a drug test and pass the background check before you can start orientation. For some people it took 1-2 weeks to get hired from start to finish. It took longer for others.
Does Lowe’s Drug Test New Hires?
Lowe’s does a pre-employment drug test for all of its employees. People who use drugs recreationally will most likely find themselves in trouble if they’re not well prepared for the drug test and still have drugs in their system.
These drugs will be picked up by the drug test and you will be ruled out from getting the job at Lowe’s.
Interested in working there despite using drugs? The best way to make sure that you pass the drug test is to stop using drugs. You can stop using drugs at least a week before going in for an interview. It would be a good idea to stop using drugs before applying to the job because by the time you get the call for the interview it might be too late to get them out of your system.
Does Lowe’s do Random and Pre-Promotional Drug Test?
Lowe’s can do random drug tests but usually doesn’t. It will be in your employment contract that they have the right to test you randomly but that doesn’t mean that they will. You will be drug tested, however, if you’re involved in a work accident. Getting into an accident at work might be because you’re under the influence of drugs and the company will want to rule that out. If you use drugs on the job then you might get into more accidents and hurt other employees or customers.
The company does not drug test before promoting them. If you’re up for a promotion, they’re likely no reason to worry about getting drug tested. You should, however, try to stop using drugs for the reason mentioned above.
What Type of Drug Test Does Lowe’s?
Lowe’s uses a mouth swab drug test which is good news for marijuana users as it is easy to pass.
A swab will collect saliva from your mouth and the saliva will be tested for drugs. The swab is sent to a testing facility and you’ll receive a phone call from the facility regarding the status of your drug test. Failing the drug test will mean not getting the job at Lowe’s.
Can You Fail Your Drug Test for Using Prescription Drugs?
You can’t fail a drug test for being on prescription drugs. Even though it will show up positive, you should tell the manager that you’re on a prescription for drugs that. They won’t be allowed to exclude you from getting the job if that’s the case.
To verify your claim, you can give them the contact information of your physician. They can contact him or her to confirm that you’re on a prescription for drugs that can show up positive on a drug screen.
How to Pass Drug Test at Lowe’s?
If you stay away from marijuana for at least 48-72 hours you have a very good chance to pass your saliva drug test. It is important to brush your teeth and gums properly and use a strong mouthwash like Listerine as well.
However, if you have used marijuana less than 24 hours before your interview, you might consider having a mouth detox product specifically design to pass the saliva drug test handy in your pocket.
Summery
Lowe’s is a big name in the world of home improvement and hardware. The company has strict policies when it comes to hiring people. When applying for a job there, you’ll need to pass a mouth swab test. You will not get tested randomly or before a promotion but can expect a drug test if you get into a work accident.
Thank you for reading our article “Does Lowe’s drug test new employees?”
We would love to hear about your experiences going through Lowe’s hiring process and drug testing procedure.
We believe others who are applying for jobs at Lowe’s will definitely appreciate and benefit from it.
Helpful links:
How to Pass a Saliva Drug Test – 2 Facts You Need to Know!!
Learn more here:
PubMed, Detection time for THC in oral fluid after frequent cannabis smoking.
ASTM.org, Blind Trials of an Onsite Saliva Drug Test for Marijuana and Opiates
https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Lowe’s/faq/drug-test?quid=1c37tbs045j4qegp
