Workplace Drug Testing Laws for Washington

Under Washington law, there are few restrictions on employers who implement a drug-free workplace policy. Washington has passed statutes allowing the use of Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana. However, courts have recognized that employers are under no obligation to accommodate the use of Marijuana. Employers should also keep in mind that there is no statute that will automatically deny workers’ compensation for testing positive for Marijuana. An employee can be denied unemployment if the employee was discharged for misconduct. This means, as the employer, if your drug testing policy states that testing positive for drug or alcohol is misconduct amounting to a terminable offense, then unemployment benefits may be denied.