Drug Testing in Atlanta, GA | Employer & Individual Services

Drug testing is often mandatory in high-risk or safety-sensitive roles (such as transportation or public safety).

For individuals, drug and alcohol testing is often required for legal reasons, including probation, court orders, or child custody cases. There are personal reasons that some people seek testing, such as verifying sobriety or satisfying school and athletic program requirements. Regardless of the situation, testing follows approved procedures to maintain accuracy and fairness. Immediate drug testing is always available for individuals and employers in Georgia from National Drug Screening (NDS).

What is the drug policy in Georgia?

Georgia has a Voluntary Drug-Free Workplace Act which gives employers a discount on workers compensation insurance. This Georgia program lays out clear rules for how employers should handle drug and alcohol testing. Employers are required to have a workplace drug testing policy that specifies

what substances are being tested,
when testing takes place,
how samples are collected,
what happens if someone tests positive,
and include information about support resources, like Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

This policy isn’t optional. It has to be shared in writing with the entire staff ahead of time and they need to sign a form confirming they received it.

Any job positions that require pre-employment drug testing must be stated when the job opening is posted for applicants. Federally regulated industries (like commercial driving or aviation) need to follow additional rules from the Department of Transportation. That includes using specific paperwork, hiring a Medical Review Officer, and following strict sample-handling procedures.

If you’re in that category, you’ll need to meet both state and federal requirements.

Do you need help revising or creating a Workplace Drug Testing Policy?
Contact National Drug Screening for assistance or a custom policy.

For Employers

Once a drug testing policy is active, employers must maintain thorough records that include testing dates, lab confirmations, signed consent forms, and correspondence related to result notifications. For confidentiality, limited access to these records by authorized personnel only is required. Employers should also document all retesting procedures and conduct internal audits to ensure consistency across all departments.

For Individuals

Individuals seeking a drug test for personal or legal purposes should verify the type of test required. Testing needs may vary based on court orders, school policies, or treatment program guidelines. Sometimes a referral form, observed collection or chain-of-custody documentation is required, so be sure to ask the testing location ahead of time. Individuals seeking testing locations in Atlanta and throughout Georgia can contact NDS.

Marijuana is a prohibited substance in Georgia?

Georgia does not have medical marijuana or recreational marijuana. Recreational use of cannabis remains illegal; however, it has been decriminalized in cities such as Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, and Athens, among others. State law allows limited use of low-THC cannabis oil, but it does not require employers to accommodate its use. If an employee tests positive for THC even when consuming low-level THC CBD, the employer can still take disciplinary action under a drug-free workplace policy. This can include denial of employment, suspension, or termination, depending on company rules.

For non-employment testing, individuals testing positive for marijuana may face consequences. In custody disputes, drug treatment compliance, or probation settings, cannabis use may still be viewed as a risk factor. Unless explicitly approved by a judge or agency, testing positive for THC can still lead to sanctions or legal setbacks.

Testing Options and When They Apply

Each testing method serves a different purpose depending on how far back drug use needs to be traced.

Urine testing is the most flexible and widely available option, suitable for both workplace and individual testing typical detection is about one week.
Hair testing provides a longer history of substance use and is often used when verifying patterns of behavior over time. Detection may be up to 90 days.
Saliva tests or oral fluid testing is frequently used when a shorter window of detection is necessary, usually from ingestion to up to 2 days.
Blood tests are usually performed in medical or legal situations requiring detailed toxicology data. These tests are invasive and expensive so rarely used.

For individuals, personal testing may be requested for school enrollment, addiction treatment programs, or self-monitoring. Court-ordered testing is usually strict about timing and method and may require direct delivery of results to a judge or case manager. Employers often match testing types with specific workplace events.

Pre-employment screening typically focuses on short-term use and uses urine tests for fast results.
Random testing may be used throughout employment and is often rotated across departments.
Reasonable suspicion testing must be based on documented observations and conducted promptly. Oral fluid drug testing may be the best option.

FAQs

What happens if you fail a pre-employment drug test in Georgia?

A failed drug test during the hiring process typically leads to disqualification from the position. Georgia employers have the right to test applicants and make hiring decisions based on those results. Some companies may allow you to reapply later, but others may enforce a waiting period or disqualify you permanently.

Will I lose custody if I fail a drug test in Georgia?

Failing a drug test during a custody case in Georgia does not automatically mean you’ll lose custody, but it can affect the court’s decision. Custody decisions in Georgia depend on many factors, and a failed drug test is just one. The court will assess the circumstances of the test, your parenting history, and whether the child’s safety is at risk. The result may be a warning, a temporary custody change, or required treatment.

Drug Testing Services in Atlanta, GA