Interac Random Drug Testing

[Otariman]

So, I've been legally smoking medicinal marijuana for years, but I've since quit to move to Japan. I absolutely will not touch the stuff while in Japan, so that is no concern. However, Interac's guidelines state that I may receive a random drug test during my employment term.

Has anyone else (any other smoker) gone through Interac after quitting and been okay? I know the stuff isn't out of my system yet, and I don't know whether or not they'll actually test me, if they'll test as soon as orientation, etc. I do know that I will have a health check towards the end of orientation, and it will include a UA...

It seems like they'd lose A LOT of time, money, and contracts if they tested people after they arrived; so I am doubting it... Also, most forums seem to agree that dispatch companies don't test at all... Furthermore, it'd be a bit silly not to employ someone due to an "illegal" drug that has been legally and medicinally prescribed in their home state...

I don't need any of the "You're a druggie; don't come to Japan" comments... I'm not even close. I used medicinally, and I obviously love Japan enough to quit... So help and experiences would be much appreciated... Thanks in advance!

 

[orochi]

You must have some documentation from your doctor. I'm sure if you presented it should anything unexpected come up in the results that you will be fine.

 

[Otariman]

That's a fine idea. I will do that; thank you.

 

[Mike Cash]

I believe there was a civil case a few years ago regarding Nova doing drug tests. My recollection was that the court said they couldn't require them, but my recollection is not at all certain on this. It would be something for you to Google, though.

I doubt strongly that it would matter a hill of beans to Interac that you had been using pot legally. My guess would be they will test at orientation, you will pop positive, and that will be the end of your association with Interac.

 

[NukaCola]

Hey OP, when you took your health check, where did they collect the sample? Did they just give you a cup or tube and have you bring it back or hand it in? Thing is, there is this concept in drug testing called "chain of custody" and the sample has to be collected in a way that it can't be messed with. If your health check was anything like mine, there would have been about 10 million chances to adulterate the sample, rendering the test invalid. The urine test I took was for diabetes and renal function, and I know because I asked the nurse who collected it. Think about it, it wouldn't be a random test if it were at the end of orientation when everybody knew about it... The value in a random test is from it being random.

 

[FrustratedDave]

It does not stay in your system as long as you might think. How since your last intake?

If not you can always say you are taking Dronabinol (Marinol), it will give a postive result for a marijuana drug test.

 

[Glenski]

I believe there was a civil case a few years ago regarding Nova doing drug tests. My recollection was that the court said they couldn't require them, but my recollection is not at all certain on this.

I believe it was deemed illegal because they were not testing the Japanese staff, too.

 

[Mike Cash]

At any rate, it looks like he probably failed and we'll never hear from him again.

 

[NukaCola]

At any rate, it looks like he probably failed and we'll never hear from him again.

It's good to see you haven't lost that old-fashioned USENET sarcasm Mike.

 

[Mike Cash]

It's good to see you haven't lost that old-fashioned USENET sarcasm Mike.

There was no sarcasm in that post. If by chance you meant to say "cynicism", events often reveal that what was thought to be cynicism was in fact prescience.

Yes, I'm the same wherever you find me. Saying the same things in the same way under the same name, emulating the first half of Malachi 3:6.

I'd like to say some warm words upon once again meeting a former usenet playmate, but I haven't the slightest idea who you are. If you used a netnym there too the chances are I'll have no meaningful recollection of you anyway.