Workplace Drug Testing Laws in Georgia
Workplace drug testing laws in Georgia are voluntary, but employers must comply to receive a discount on workers' compensation benefits. Employers in Georgia who opt into the drug-free workplace program must meet the requirements of the Board of Workers' Compensation.
Safety-sensitive industries must also comply with federal laws.
Employers in Georgia that administer drug tests must provide a written policy to employees at least 60 days prior to testing, and follow state and federal guidelines to avoid discrimination, defamation, and the invasion of privacy. Under Georgia's voluntary drug testing legislation, testing is required after a conditional offer of employment, with reasonable suspicion, if an employee enters a rehabilitation program or employee assistance program, and following an accident or injury caused by the employee.
Register for a drug test online by clicking the "Register Now" button below. You can also call (888) 378-2499 with any questions about our drug testing services.
Georgia Drug Testing Compliance
Georgia Drug Testing Laws Without Restrictions
| Drug Test Issue | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Recreational Marijuana | The use of recreational marijuana is illegal in Georgia. Therefore, employers may test for it without restrictions. |
| Random Testing | Employee drug testing laws in Georgia permit random drug testing and testing with reasonable suspicion. |
Conditional Georgia Drug Testing Laws
| Drug Test Issue | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Medical Marijuana |
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Although low-potency medical marijuana is legal in Georgia, employers are not required to permit or accommodate its use among employees.
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Employers may prohibit on and off-duty use of marijuana.
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| Instant or POCT Testing |
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Instant or POCT testing is permitted for pre-employment screening, once a conditional job offer has been made.
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Positive test results must be confirmed in a certified lab.
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| Specimens Tested | Under the voluntary law, the specimens tested include urine, tissue, blood, breath, saliva, or any bodily product capable of showing the presence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or drug metabolites. |
| Workers Comp |
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Employers are not required to adopt a drug-free workplace program.
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Employers in Georgia that develop drug-free workplace programs certified by Georgia's Board of Workers' Compensation receive a 7.5 percent reduction on workers comp premiums.
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| Substances Screened | An employer may test for any or all of these substances and their metabolites: amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP), methadone, methaqualone, opiates, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and propoxyphene. |
| Testing for Alcohol | Alcohol testing is permitted with reasonable suspicion or following an accident. |
Georgia Drug Testing Laws With Restrictions
| Drug Test Issue | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Laboratories |
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On-site kits are permitted for initial screenings only.
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All specimens for current employees must be tested in a SAMHSA-certified or CAP-certified laboratory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the state of Georgia test for?
Georgia drug testing compliance does not specify which drugs are tested in the workplace. However, under Georgia's voluntary law, employers test for amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP), methadone, methaqualone, opiates, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and propoxyphene. Alcohol is also tested for with reasonable suspicion.
Other Services We Provide in Georgia
If you're looking for drug testing information related to a specific city in the state of Georgia, try taking a look at our Georgia clinic locations page. From there, you can select your city's drug testing or DNA testing page to learn more.
We also offer Georgia Background Checks. For more information, visit our Georgia background check page.
This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes
The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Please seek the advice of a legal expert regarding legal advice for drug testing laws in your state.