Workplace Drug Testing Laws in North Carolina

Workplace drug testing laws in North Carolina do not require employers to drug test and allow drug testing prior to and during employment, as long as the employer follows the state's drug-testing legislation.

Employers must become familiar with North Carolina drug testing compliance, as well as federal drug testing legislation. Federal employment drug screening laws allow employers to enforce drug-free workplace policies, while protecting the rights of employees. Employers must provide drug testing under state and federal laws, without discrimination, defamation, and without invading the privacy of applicants and employees.

To register for a drug test, simply sign up using the button below. To register via phone, or if you have any questions, we can be reached at (888) 378-2499.

Start Testing Employees

North Carolina Drug Testing Compliance

North Carolina Drug Testing Laws Without Restrictions

Drug Test Issue Remarks
Recreational Marijuana
arrow_right
Recreational marijuana is not legal in North Carolina.
arrow_right
Employers are not restricted from testing for marijuana.
Medical Marijuana
arrow_right
Medical marijuana is not legal in North Carolina.
arrow_right
Employee drug testing laws in North Carolina do not restrict drug testing for marijuana.
Random Testing Random testing is allowed if specified in the employer's drug-testing policy.
Substances Screened Employment drug screening laws in North Carolina allow for testing any controlled substance or the metabolites of these substances.

Conditional North Carolina Drug Testing Laws

Drug Test Issue Remarks
Instant or POCT Testing
arrow_right
There are no restrictions specified on instant or POCT testing for pre-employment. The collection of samples and preliminary screening may be conducted onsite.
arrow_right
For current employees, samples may be collected onsite or at an approved laboratory, but the screening must be done by an approved lab.
arrow_right
Testing devices must be FDA-approved and meet certain requirements.
arrow_right
Positive instant or POCT tests on prospective employees must be confirmed at an approved laboratory.
Workers Comp
arrow_right
An employee will receive no compensation if he or she was impaired or intoxicated at the time of the accident or injury unless the drugs or alcohol were provided by the employer.
arrow_right
The burden of proof is on the person requesting an exemption.
Testing for Alcohol Alcohol testing is allowed in North Carolina as long as employers follow state regulations.

North Carolina Drug Testing Laws With Restrictions

Drug Test Issue Remarks
Specimens Tested Specimens used for North Carolina drug tests include urine, blood, hair, and oral fluids.
Laboratories Drug tests in North Carolina must be performed at an approved laboratory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does North Carolina drug test for?

Workplace drug testing laws in North Carolina allow employers to drug test for all controlled substances. Common drugs tested include amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, phencyclidine (PCP), opiates, barbiturates, MDMA, methadone, methaqualone Benzodiazepines, ethanol (alcohol), hydrocodone, and propoxyphene.

Other Services We Provide in North Carolina

If you're looking for drug testing information related to a specific city in the state of North Carolina, try taking a look at our North Carolina clinic locations page. From there, you can select your city's drug testing or DNA testing page to learn more.

We also offer North Carolina Background Checks. For more information, visit our North Carolina 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.

Citations

menu_book
Guerin, Lisa. "Drug Testing Laws in North Carolina." NOLO, https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/drug-testing-laws-north-carolina.html
menu_book
"13 NCAC 20 .0101 – Controlled Substances – Examination Regulations – Definitions." North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2013%20-%20labor/chapter%2020%20-%20controlled%20substances%20examination%20regulation/13%20ncac%2020%20.0101.pdf
menu_book
"Drug Testing Laws: North Carolina." Smith Anderson, https://www.smithlaw.com/media/alert/278_Drug%20Testing%20Laws%20North%20Carolina%20-%20Travis%20Hockaday.pdf
menu_book
"North Carolina Alcohol and Drugs: What You Need to Know." BLR, https://www.blr.com/HR-Employment/Performance-Termination/Alcohol-and-Drugs-in-North-Carolina
menu_book
"§97-12. Article 1 – Workers' Compensation Act." North Carolina Industrial Commission, https://www.ic.nc.gov/ncic/pages/statute/97-12.htm
menu_book
"Drug Testing Resources." SAMHSA, https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/resources/drug-testing
menu_book
"Federal Laws and Regulations." SAMHSA, https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/legal/federal-laws