Colorado State Drug Testing Laws

Last Update on April 21, 2023

Workplace Drug Testing Issues – Colorado State Laws

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

Colorado has no general employment drug testing laws so generally there are no restrictions on employee drug testing. Follow best practices and a written drug free workplace policy is highly recommended.

Note: Boulder, CO – This city has one of the most restrictive drug testing laws in the country. Employers in Colorado are only bound by Boulder’s city ordinance for their employees who work in the city. This chart does not apply to Boulder, CO. – please consult your attorney.

Drug Testing Issue	Status	Comments
Instant or POCT Testing	No Restrictions
Drug Panels	No Restrictions
Laboratory	No Restrictions	Highly recommend - SAMHSA certified laboratory
Medical Review Officer	No Restrictions	Highly recommended to avoid liability
Random Testing	No Restrictions
Post-Accident	No Restrictions	Base decision to test after an accident on a reasonable decision that drug or alcohol use could have caused the accident, always have a written policy.
Reasonable Suspicion	No Restrictions
Oral Fluid Testing	No Restrictions
Hair Follicle Testing	No Restrictions
Unemployment Denial	Yes	Must have a written policy, no unemployment compensation if employee is terminated for failing a drug test.
Workers Comp Discount	No
Workers Comp Denial	Yes, available	A positive drug test after an accident can lead to a reduction in non-medical workers’ compensation benefits.
Intoxication Defense	Yes	Employer to claim presumption of intoxication" and thus reduce all non-medical benefits by 50%, employer will need to prove that your test was conducted in a certified/licensed facility and that a second sample has been preserved for re-testing.
Medical Marijuana	Yes	The law states nothing shall require any employer to accommodate the medical use of marijuana in the workplace. The Colorado Supreme Court has upheld and employee termination for testing positive even when the employee claimed medical marijuana.
Recreational Marijuana	Yes	Amendment 64 states: 'Nothing in this section is intended to require an employer to permit or accommodate the use, consumption, possession, transfer, display, transportation, sale or growing of marijuana in the workplace or to affect the ability of employers to have policies restricting the use of marijuana by employees.
Report Driver DOT Positives	No
General Statute	--	There are no statutes that restrict employers to conduct drug and alcohol testing.

Intoxication Defense – Denial of Workers Compensation Claim – Reduction of non-medical benefits in Colorado – §8-42-112.5.

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.

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Marijuana Laws for Colorado

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

Colorado State Drug Testing Laws

Workplace Drug Testing Issues – Colorado State Laws

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