Missouri has no general drug and alcohol testing law, meaning employer can test at will. To deny unemployment and/or workers’ compensation claims, specific drug and alcohol testing requirements must be met.
These categories do not affect DOT-regulated drug testing. Government employers should always call for potential additional restrictions on employee drug testing.
Missouri Amendment 3, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, was on the ballot in Missouri as an initiated constitutional amendment on November 8, 2022. The measure was approved.
| Drug Testing Issue | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Instant or POCT Testing | Restricted | Use lab testing for post-accident in order to use the intoxication defense. Confirm all non-negative results at the lab. |
| Drug Panels | No Restrictions | |
| Laboratory | No Restrictions | SAMHSA certified highly recommended to avoid exposure to liability. |
| Medical Review Officer | Not Required | Highly recommended to use an MRO for all workplace drug tests. |
| Random Testing | No Restrictions | |
| Post-Accident | No Restrictions | Drug testing policies should limit post-incident testing to situations in which employee drug use cannot be ruled out as potentially contributing to the incident. |
| Reasonable Suspicion | No Restrictions | |
| Oral Fluids | No Restrictions | |
| Hair Testing | No Restrictions | |
| Unemployment Denial | Yes | |
| Workers Comp Discount | No | |
| Intoxication Defense | Yes | The law provides for a rebuttable presumption of intoxication and that the injury was proximately caused by that intoxication if certain conditions are met. |
| Medical Marijuana | Yes | November 6, 2018 - With approximately 61% of voters supporting Amendment 2, Missourians with one of 9 qualifying conditions (those without a qualifying condition can gain approval from a doctor for a medical marijuana card) will have access to purchase and/or grow medical marijuana. Employers are likely to retain the majority of their rights around marijuana pertaining to drug testing and disciplinary action, and Amendment 2 included language that protects employers from adverse action by medical marijuana-using employees. |
| Recreational Marijuana | Yes | Employers may still maintain drug-free workplace rules, and they may discipline or terminate employees for using, possessing, or being under the influence of marijuana while at work. Use caution when making hiring, discipline, and termination decisions when marijuana use may be off duty and lawful. |
| Report Driver DOT Positives | No | |
| General Statute | -- | While Missouri does not have a drug testing statute, employers must meet certain drug testing requirements in order to challenge workers' and unemployment comp claims. |
Employers should maintain comprehensive drug free workplace programs and policies in order to take advantage of Unemployment Compensation Denial and Workers’ Compensation Reduction & Denial
Intoxication Defense – Denial of Workers Compensation Claim – The Company may raise a defense to any workers’ compensation claim filed where there is a positive alcohol or controlled substance test result. This could result in a 50% reduction of benefits otherwise payable or a complete forfeiture of those benefits.
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 Missouri
This chart is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for legal guidance. State and local laws vary 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.
We offer fast same day service for online orders! Need assistance finding a drug testing location? Speak with an expert by calling today!
Looking for drug testing laws for another state? We keep up-to-date information for all US states.
