Marijuana Employment and Drug Testing in New Hampshire

Can Employers Conduct Drug Tests On Employees Or Job Applicants For Marijuana Use in New Hampshire?

Yes, employers in New Hampshire can legally conduct drug tests on both employees and job applicants for marijuana use, as long as they comply with the state’s rules and regulations. Employers must have a drug testing policy in place that clearly outlines the conditions and circumstances under which drug testing can be conducted. The policy should also include the consequences for a positive test result, including possible disciplinary action or termination.

Are There Any Restrictions On The Types Of Drug Tests That Employers Can Use (Urine, Saliva, Hair) in New Hampshire?

No, there are no specific restrictions on the types of drug tests that employers can use in New Hampshire. However, employers should be aware that New Hampshire law requires certain employers to use urine testing only, and that the employer must follow the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ urine testing guidelines.

Do State Laws Require Employers To Have A Written Drug Testing Policy In Place in New Hampshire?

No, state laws in New Hampshire do not require employers to have a written drug testing policy in place. However, employers should consider implementing one to protect their business and employees.

Are There Specific Industries Or Job Roles That Have Different Drug Testing Rules in New Hampshire?

Yes, there are specific industries and job roles in New Hampshire that have different drug testing rules. Some of these include safety-sensitive positions in the transportation industry, such as bus and truck drivers, pilots, and other industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Employers in certain industries may also be required to drug test employees, such as those in the healthcare and childcare fields. Additionally, employers may be allowed to drug test employees who are suspected of using drugs on the job or whose job performance has fallen below acceptable levels.

Can Employers Take Disciplinary Action Or Terminate Employees For Failing A Marijuana Drug Test in New Hampshire?

Yes, employers in New Hampshire are allowed to take disciplinary action or terminate employees for failing a marijuana drug test. Employers are not required to provide medical marijuana accommodations in the workplace, and they can still take action against an employee who tests positive for marijuana, even if they have a medical marijuana card or prescription. Furthermore, employers are not required to accommodate the use of recreational marijuana under any circumstances.

Are There Protections For Medical Marijuana Users In The Workplace in New Hampshire?

No, there are no explicit workplace protections for medical marijuana users in New Hampshire. However, employers may not discriminate against an employee based on their use of a legally prescribed medication.

Do State Laws Provide Guidance On What Constitutes Reasonable Suspicion For Drug Testing in New Hampshire?

No, state laws in New Hampshire do not provide specific guidance on what constitutes reasonable suspicion for drug testing. Generally speaking, in order to legally conduct drug testing, employers must have a reasonable suspicion that an employee is using or under the influence of illicit drugs. Factors to consider when determining reasonable suspicion may include employee behavior, physical appearance, or evidence of drug-related activity in the workplace. Furthermore, drug testing policies must be consistent with any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Employers should consult with an attorney to ensure that their drug testing policies comply with all applicable state and federal laws.

Are There Regulations Regarding The Timing Of Drug Tests, Such As Pre-Employment, Post-Accident, Or Random Testing in New Hampshire?

Yes, there are regulations regarding the timing of drug tests in New Hampshire. Pre-employment drug tests are generally allowed in New Hampshire as long as the employer has a written policy that outlines what type of drug test will be conducted and what type of drugs will be tested for, as well as what the consequences are if an employee fails the test. Post-accident drug tests are also allowed in New Hampshire, as long as the employer has a written policy in place that outlines who will be tested and what will happen if an employee fails the test. Random drug testing is also allowed in New Hampshire, as long as the employer has a written policy outlining how often random tests will be conducted, who will be tested, and what will happen if an employee fails the test.

Can Job Applicants Be Denied Employment Based On A Positive Marijuana Drug Test in New Hampshire?

Yes, job applicants can be denied employment based on a positive marijuana drug test in New Hampshire. Employers in New Hampshire are allowed to conduct pre-employment drug tests as part of their hiring process. If an applicant tests positive for marijuana, they can be rejected from the position.

Do State Laws Require Employers To Make Accommodations For Employees Using Medical Marijuana in New Hampshire?

No, New Hampshire law does not require employers to make accommodations for employees using medical marijuana, as recreational and medicinal marijuana use remains illegal in the state. However, employers may choose to provide such accommodations if they wish to do so.

What Happens If An Employee Has A Valid Prescription For Medical Marijuana But Fails A Drug Test in New Hampshire?

The answer to this question depends on the employer. In New Hampshire, employers are allowed to maintain drug-free workplaces and can choose to have drug testing policies in place. Therefore, if an employee has a valid prescription for medical marijuana but fails a drug test, it will depend on the employer’s policy and their stance on medical marijuana use. It is possible that an employee could be disciplined or even terminated depending on the employer’s policy.

Is It Legal For Employers To Use Drug Testing As A Condition For Workers’ Compensation Claims in New Hampshire?

Yes, it is legal for employers to use drug testing as a condition for workers’ compensation claims in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Department of Labor requires that employers have a drug-free workplace policy and conduct post-accident testing if an employee has been involved in a work-related accident. Employers are also allowed to conduct drug tests for reasonable suspicion of drug use or impairment.

Are There Limitations On The Use Of Drug Testing For Federal Contractors Or Employees In Safety-Sensitive Positions in New Hampshire?

Yes, there are limitations on the use of drug testing for federal contractors or employees in safety-sensitive positions in New Hampshire. The state has a law that requires employers to have a written policy outlining the circumstances under which drug testing may be conducted. The policy must be clear about the types of screening tests that may be administered, the circumstances that constitute reasonable suspicion, and the consequences of testing positive for drugs. Additionally, employers must obtain written consent from employees before conducting drug testing. Finally, employers must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws when conducting drug tests.

Do Employers Have To Follow Specific Protocols For Conducting Drug Tests, Such As Using Certified Laboratories in New Hampshire?

Yes, employers in New Hampshire must follow specific protocols when conducting drug tests. Employers must use laboratories certified by the Department of Health and Human Services to perform drug tests. The drug test must accurately measure the presence of drugs in the employee’s system and must be performed under strict chain of custody procedures. Furthermore, employers must provide written notice of the requirement to submit to a drug test and must provide a written statement to employees that outlines the consequences if they refuse to comply with the request. Employers must also ensure that all employee’s rights regarding privacy, confidentiality and due process are respected.

Are There Regulations Regarding Drug Testing For Employees In Transportation-Related Jobs in New Hampshire?

Yes, there are regulations regarding drug testing for employees in transportation-related jobs in New Hampshire. According to the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules (Subchapter 902), all employers in the transportation industry must comply with federal drug and alcohol testing regulations, including random drug testing for employees. Furthermore, employers must also ensure that employees who work in transportation-related jobs abide by the State’s Department of Transportation regulations and are subject to periodic drug and alcohol tests. For more details on these regulations, please refer to the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules.

What Are The Consequences For Employers Who Violate State-Specific Drug Testing Laws in New Hampshire?

The consequences for employers who violate state-specific drug testing laws in New Hampshire vary depending on the nature of the violation. Generally, employers may face civil penalties, such as fines, and may be held liable for damages caused to the employee. Additionally, employers could be subject to criminal penalties, including jail time, if a violation is found to be intentional. In some cases, employers could face potential civil and criminal liability for violations of the drug testing laws. Finally, employers may be required to take corrective measures to comply with the law and avoid future violations.

Do Laws Require Employers To Provide Information About Drug Testing Policies To Employees in New Hampshire?

No, employers in New Hampshire are not required to provide information about drug testing policies to their employees. However, employers should always provide clear and concise information regarding workplace drug testing policies to their workers in order to ensure that they are aware of the expectations the employer has set forth.

Are There State Resources Available To Help Employers Understand And Comply With Drug Testing Laws in New Hampshire?

Yes. The New Hampshire Department of Labor (NHDOL) has a resource page to help employers understand and comply with drug testing laws. This page provides links to various resources including a guide to drug testing laws, a list of frequently asked questions about drug testing, and contact information with the NHDOL’s Drug Testing Program. Additionally, the NHDOL has a Substance Abuse Testing Advisory Council which employers can contact with any questions about drug testing.

Can Job Applicants Or Employees Request Retesting Or Dispute The Results Of A Drug Test in New Hampshire?

Yes, job applicants or employees in New Hampshire may request retesting or dispute the results of a drug test. The process for doing so will vary depending on the company’s policy and procedure. Generally, employers must provide a reasonable time period to request retesting or dispute the results of a drug test and must allow the employee to present relevant evidence or testimony. Retesting or dispute requests must be considered by the employer in good faith.

How Do State Laws Accommodate The Use Of Recreational Marijuana While Balancing Workplace Safety Concerns in New Hampshire?



The state of New Hampshire has legalized recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older, but there are still certain restrictions in place to ensure workplace safety. Employers may not require current or prospective employees to submit to drug tests for the presence of marijuana or any other controlled substances, except where required by a government entity or where the position may affect public safety. Employers may also create policies that prohibit the consumption, possession, or being under the influence of marijuana while at work, or on company time. Employers are also prohibited from taking any adverse action against any employee due to their medical use of marijuana. Additionally, employers may not prevent an employee from using medical marijuana outside of work hours.