Minnesota State Drug Testing Laws

Workplace Drug Testing Issues – Minnesota State Laws

These categories do not effect DOT-regulated drug testing. Government employers should always call for potential additional restrictions on employee drug testing.

A written drug-free workplace policy is required in Minnesota, see also Minnesota’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Act; AUTHORIZED DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING – 181.951

Minnesota prohibits point-of-collection testing in their mandatory laws, which apply to all employers in the state.

Important to Note: In Minnesota employers are required to notify employees and applicants in writing of both positive and negative results within 3 days of receipt of the results from a laboratory.

Adults may legally possess cannabis on August 1, 2023.  The law does provide language protecting those who consume cannabis at home from facing sanctions in the workplace if they test positive for cannabis metabolites on a drug screen.  Caution is advised when making employment decisions based marijuana positive drug test.

Drug Testing IssueStatusComments
Instant or POCT Testing Not PermittedQuest Diagnostics does not perform instant testing at their drug testing centers in Minnesota. LabCorp drug testing centers in Minnesota do perform instant testing. Instant testing is prohibited for all employee drug testing.
Drug PanelsNo Restrictions
LaboratoryCertified laboratory requiredAlere, Quest and LabCorp are certified
Medical Review Officer Not RequiredRecommended to avoid exposure to liability
Random TestingRestrictedSafety sensitive employees only
Post-Accident LimitedMinnesota employers should only conduct post accident drug testing only when they believe the individual caused or contributed to the accident.
Reasonable SuspicionPermitted
Oral FluidsPermitted
Hair TestingPermitted
Unemployment DenialYesBenefits are denied if the employee is terminated for intoxication at work including a positive drug test.
Workers Comp DiscountNo
Intoxication DefenseYesNo compensation if the intoxication of the employee is the proximate cause of the injury.
Medical MarijuanaYesTo qualify for the program, the individual must suffer from cancer or a terminal illness with a probable life expectancy of under one year. Nothing in the law requires an employer to accommodate the use of marijuana in the workplace.
Recreational MarijuanaYesCaution is advised in making employment decisions based on a positive marijuana drug test.
Report Driver DOT PositivesNo
General Statute--181.951 AUTHORIZED DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING - Minnesota's Drug and Alcohol Testing Act

Intoxication Defense – Denial of Workers Compensation Claim – States vary in their willingness to allow employers to use an injured worker’s intoxication as a defense against a claim for compensation.  State laws’ intoxication defenses generally fall into one of three rough categories: defenses that do not depend on causation; defenses that require some form of proximate causation between intoxication and injury; and defenses that require that intoxication be the sole cause of injury.  Always check with your insurance company and your attorney when you have a refusal or positive post-accident test after an injury.

Instant or POCT drug testing is prohibited in Minnesota for workplace drug testing.  This would also include breath alchohol testing in non DOT workplace situations.

This chart is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for legal guidance. State and local law varies greatly; therefore, you are advised to consult experienced legal counsel during the development or edit of your actual substance abuse testing program and with any questions that follow.

State Law Minnesota

Drug Testing in Minnesota

Testing locations are available in all areas. For immediate service for employers or individuals call 866-843-4545 or Order Now.

Marijuana Laws for Minnesota

Marijuana considerations are important and marijuana laws often update often, check out Marijuana in the Workplace.